Two workers were killed and two others remain unaccounted for after two explosions tore through a Toledo, Ohio, industrial recycling facility early Tuesday, officials confirmed. Several other employees suffered minor injuries in the incident, which sparked a large fire and sent thick black smoke billowing over the area.
Two confirmed dead, two missing after explosions at Brent Industries
Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong confirmed the fatalities during a morning briefing, identifying the victims as a male and female employee. Firefighters also reported that two workers were still unaccounted for as of the latest update, though authorities did not immediately confirm whether they were presumed deceased or trapped. The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department stated it was unclear if additional fatalities would be confirmed as search efforts continued.
The blasts occurred shortly before 5 a.m. during a shift change at Brent Industries, a textile reconditioning and industrial recycling facility based in Alabama. The company uses mineral spirits in its cleaning process, according to public records. Video footage from the scene showed flames engulfing portions of the facility, while aerial images revealed extensive structural damage, including the collapse of nearly the entire roof and multiple blown-out walls.
Firefighters battle hazardous conditions amid ongoing search
Crews initially faced hazardous materials runoff and the threat of additional explosions as they searched for victims and accounted for all employees. Environmental officials reported that air monitoring detected no hazardous threat to surrounding areas. Residents within half a mile were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to visible smoke and potential odors.
Demetrius Langston, who lives approximately 0.5 miles from the facility, described feeling the force of the blasts. “The shock waves came down the block,” he said. “Then we all heard it again. Boom! You could feel it.”
Cause of explosions remains under investigation
Authorities have not released preliminary findings on the cause of the explosions. Brent Industries has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. The Toledo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are assisting in the investigation, which is ongoing as of the latest update.
The fire continued burning into Tuesday afternoon, with crews working to contain the blaze. The facility’s location on the south side of Toledo and the timing of the explosions during a shift change contributed to the scale of the emergency response. No timeline for reopening the facility has been provided.