4 injured in the High Springs chemical plant explosion

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Four people were injured when a chemical plant exploded in High Springs Thursday morning.

High Springs Firefighters responded to the explosion in Air Liquide, 17526 High Springs Main Street around 4 a.m. Crews were able to put out the fire and work to mitigate potential hazards at the site.

One of those injured in the blast was airlifted and is in critical condition, according to High Springs officials. The other three patients were taken to hospital.

They are all employees of the chemical plant. According to the company, three of the employees have been laid off from the hospital.

High Springs Fire Department responds to a chemical plant fire (HSFD)

All fires were contained in one building. High Springs Main Street was closed off for about nine hours as fighters and Hazmat teams cleaned up the area.

According to the company, it is “a world leader in industry-specific gases, services and technologies in the health field.” The High Springs facility produces a special gas that is used as a precursor in the production of computer chips.

Fire rescue officials say state and county environmental investigators are involved.

“Investigators are coming from North Florida to come and investigate this incident,” said Kevin Mangan, a spokesman for the High Springs Fire Department. “They work as quickly and safely as possible.”

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Company officials say the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has determined that no environmental release has been identified and there are no known public safety concerns.

A nearby resident said he was walking his dog Thursday morning when he heard a loud noise.

“I live in the woods, so we thought maybe it was a huge tree that fell, but it doesn’t look like a tree fell and shook the ground.” said resident Peter George. “I mean, it felt like an earthquake.”

Air Liquide provided TV20 with the following statement about the incident:

On Thursday, May 4, 2023, at approximately 4 a.m., an explosion occurred at the Air Liquide Advanced Materials Inc. facility in High Springs, Florida. The incident injured 4 site employees who were taken to the local hospital. Three of the employees were released after Evaluation by medical staff Air Liquide expresses its sincere concern and support for its employees and their families.

The facility has developed its emergency response plan and is supported by the Gainesville Fire Department, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and local police. The facility has been evacuated and safely closed. Emergency responders are currently on site, and the site is now considered stable by the Gainesville Fire Department. At this time, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, no environmental release has been identified, and there is no known public safety concern.

We are fully committed to the safety and well-being of our employees and our community. We are actively cooperating with the authorities to investigate the causes and circumstances of the accident.”

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