BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut – An investigation is underway into the explosion at the Tradebe facility in Bridgeport that occurred on Friday afternoon. Multiple agencies are working to determine what chemicals are involved and how the explosion happened.
Local and state officials are assuring residents that the area is safe. According to the Bridgeport Fire Department, the blaze was quickly controlled and fueled by a “low grade oxidizer.”
Residents were initially advised to evacuate or shelter in place, mask up, and avoid smoke exposure as a precaution following the explosion. However, city officials have informed residents that all area air quality tests cleared and there is no threat of air quality issues at this point.
The investigation is expected to take a few more weeks, with officials still waiting to determine the chemicals involved and the cause of the explosion. Once the investigation is complete, any information important to area residents will be disseminated.
In response to the explosion, city officials are considering policy changes. Mayor Joe Ganim has called the explosion “unacceptable” and is looking into how to ensure communities are aware of potentially harmful chemicals on-site at companies and the risks they could pose.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) are supervising clean-up and monitoring water quality in local brooks, with fishing remaining prohibited in area brooks at this time. No acute health concerns were found in the area following air monitoring tests after the incident. State and local health officials will continue to collaborate and share information, and once sample results are available, will develop appropriate guidance for residents.