Chemical explosion in Salt Lake injures two, fire officials say there’s no threat to the public
Jul 25, 2023, 7:10 AM | Updated: 11:12 am
The Thatcher Chemical plant is shown on July 25, 2023 in Salt Lake City. (Peter Johnston/KSL NewsRadio)
(Peter Johnston/KSL NewsRadio)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Fire Department responded to a chemical explosion at the Thatcher Company chemical plant early Tuesday morning.
SLCFD Division Chief Dan Walker said multiple 911 callers reported hearing a loud explosion around 5:30 a.m. at 1905 W Fortune Road in Salt Lake City.
“There was a normal operation here, with multiple individuals working on a tank, when there was an explosion,” Walker said.
Two workers were nearby when a tank filled with chemicals erupted.
Walker said the two workers received minor injuries and one was transported to a nearby hospital. The SLCFD had no update on the condition of the hospitalized employee.
Walker said there was no chemical release into the air and no hazard to the community. The building where the explosion happened is being looked at for damage.
The Thatcher Company and the SLCFD are investigating the cause of the explosion
As of 7:30 a.m., Walker said Fortune Road is closed at Wallace but California Avenue is still open.
Tuesday’s explosion isn’t the first chemical issue at the plant. In 2019, 56 people were treated for possible exposure to sulfur dioxide after a rail car accident caused 300 to 400 gallons of the chemicals to leak out.
