Photo by Larry Tetamore/Geneseo Fire Department
We’re following the story of a plant explosion that took place at the Arkema chemical plant in Piffard early this morning.
In a press release this morning, plant manager Tim Rens said the explosion happened in a storage room cabinet where reactive compounds to make plastics are stored.
The accident involved a small amount of organic peroxide. A fire that broke out was quickly contained by the sprinkler system.
Local fire departments were called to the scene around 5:40p.m. to direct traffic. HAZMAT teams cleared the area and laid down layers of foam. There were no reports of injuries.
According to the Livingston County Emergency Management Coordinator’s office, Arkema maintains its own private response team. Local fire departments do not enter company property unless asked to assist.