11 People, Including Firefighters, Hurt In LORD Plant Explosion In Saegertown: Reports

SAEGERTOWN, PA — Eleven people including firefighters were injured Sunday in an explosion at a chemical manufacturing plant in northwest Pennsylvania, according to reports.

The explosion at the LORD Corporation plant in Saegertown happened shortly after firefighters arrived to battle a blaze that was reported about 10:30 a.m. Sunday, WKBN reported.

The plant is 90 minutes north of Pittsburgh and 30 minutes south of Erie, in Crawford County.

Four firefighters and seven plant employees were injured. They were taken to hospitals for treatment and the injuries were believed to be minor, the WKBN report said.

Residents of Saegertown initially were told to shelter in place, close windows and avoid outdoor areas after the explosion, but that order was lifted at 1 p.m., Erie News Now reported.

Firefighters from communities throughout the region have responded to help fight the fire at the plant, which employs more than 235 workers, Your Erie reported.

The company manufactures adhesives, coatings and specialty chemicals, the Your Erie report said.