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

signs at thatcher chemical plant show how many days since an accident, an explosion happened at the...

The Thatcher Chemical plant is shown on July 25, 2023 in Salt Lake City. (Peter Johnston/KSL NewsRadio)

(Peter Johnston/KSL NewsRadio)

KSLNewsRadio

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.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Salt Lake City

Eric Cabrera

Downtown Salt Lake report highlights booming events, more residents and billions in future investment

A new economic report paints an increasingly busy picture of downtown Salt Lake City, with much more to come in the coming years.

6 days ago

Image of the Salt Lake City Planning Commission meeting July 9, 2026, where members approved a prop...

Adam Small

SLC Planning Commission approves proposal targeting private jails, detention facilities

The Salt Lake City Planning Commission approved a proposal banning construction of jails and correctional facilities, including immigration detention centers, on privately-owned land within city limits.

14 days ago

Two vehicles collided with one another in Salt Lake City early Tuesday. (Lt. Joe Cyr, Salt Lake Cit...

Kennedy Camarena, KSL

Crash cuts power, injures 4 people in Salt Lake City

One person was critically injured and three others were hurt in a crash at 5600 West and 700 South in Salt Lake City early Tuesday.

16 days ago

A peacock in Salt Lake City's Poplar Grove neighborhood on May 16. Residents say multiple peafowl h...

Carter Williams, KSL

Salt Lake City police investigate deaths of peafowl, as residents push for charges

Residents of a Salt Lake City neighborhood are pushing for charges of a man they say has intentionally killed wild peafowls that serve as the area's mascot.

23 days ago

A man said to be in his mid-20s is dead after a car and a motorcycle collided Tuesday afternoon, po...

Curtis Booker, KSL

1 dead after car collides with motorcycle in South Salt Lake

A man said to be in his mid-20s is dead after a car and a motorcycle collided Tuesday afternoon, police said.

1 month ago

The exterior of the historic New York Hotel in Salt Lake City, home of Market Street Grill, on Sund...

Carter Williams, KSL

Market Street Grill to close its iconic downtown location after 46 years

Market Street Grill will close its downtown Salt Lake City location June 30.

1 month ago

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hopping in the car with your favorite snacks in tow and heading out for a […]

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Utah’s mental health crisis is leaving many residents caught in an uncomfortable middle ground: struggling too much for weekly therapy alone, but unable to step away from work, parenting or daily life for inpatient treatment. As demand […]

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, managing side effects and wondering if this is simply how life is going to feel. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects […]

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Chemical explosion in Salt Lake injures two, fire officials say there’s no threat to the public

We want to hear from you.

Salt Lake City

Sponsored Articles