BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –  A worker was injured in an explosion and fire at Franklin Plastics, 1525 Hill Brady Road, shortly after 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28. LifeCare Ambulance transported the worker to Bronson Kalamazoo. The worker’s condition is unknown at this time.

The Battle Creek Fire Department and LifeCare Ambulance responded to a report of an explosion followed by a fire in the commercial building. Engine 5, LifeCare Ambulance and Department of Veterans Affairs Rescue 20 were first to arrive. They found heavy smoke coming from an open bay door. Facility personnel helped the injured worker, who had significant burns to their arms, chest and face, reach ambulance personnel.

Employees had extinguished the main fire with fire extinguishers before Engine 5 and Rescue 20 personnel entered the building. Crews checked for fire spread into the roof. Bedford Township Fire Department’s Tower 5 helped firefighters access the roof, while Rescue 6 and Engine 1 assisted with ventilation and other support.

The fire department lists the probable cause as accidental. Damage was limited to machinery and the immediate surrounding area.

 

City of Battle Creek | Communications Office 10 N. Division Street, Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 966-3311 | publicinput@battlecreekmi.gov www.battlecreekmi.gov