Explosion and Fire at Pennsylvania Chemical Plant Injures 13, Including 6 Firefighters

A significant explosion followed by a fire at the Parker LORD Corporation facility in Saegertown, Crawford County, left 13 people injured on the morning of Sunday, February 9.

Emergency responders arrived at the chemical plant on South Street around 10:30 a.m. after an automatic alarm was triggered, according to a company statement. While attempting to control the blaze, an explosion occurred roughly ten minutes later at 10:40 a.m., authorities reported.

The explosion was “major,” forcefully ejecting the firefighting crew from the building. Emergency teams used four aerial engines to spray water from above while working to bring the fire under control.

A shelter-in-place advisory was issued for residents within a three-mile radius of the site but was lifted a few hours later. Although the fire was eventually contained, emergency crews were expected to remain on site throughout the night to monitor and extinguish any remaining hot spots.

In a series of press briefings, it was confirmed that six firefighters—five from Saegertown and one from Edinboro—along with seven plant workers, were hospitalized with minor injuries or for precautionary medical evaluations. Four of the injured firefighters were part of Parker LORD’s internal emergency response team.

The explosion led to a large-scale emergency response, drawing support from neighboring fire departments as far as Waterford. Local authorities advised residents via the Saegertown Borough zoning and code enforcement website to remain indoors due to the severity of the situation. Additionally, a water line break on Euclid Avenue’s north end disrupted service across two blocks as utilities were temporarily shut off.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) closed Route 198 between Route 19/Route 6 in Saegertown Borough and Route 86 in Woodcock Township due to ongoing emergency activity, urging motorists to find alternate routes.

The Saegertown facility, which produces specialty chemicals, adhesives, and coatings, is the largest manufacturing site for LORD Corporation, employing over 235 individuals.

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