Bold headline: A serious explosion at an industrial site in Logan Township, New Jersey, injuring at least four people and prompting urgent responses from local authorities. But here’s where it gets controversial: the full cause and scope of damage remain unclear as investigators and emergency crews work to piece together what happened.
A blast occurred circa 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Pureland Industrial Complex located at 617 Heron Drive in Swedesboro, according to Gloucester County officials. The incident triggered a shelter-in-place advisory within a two-mile radius of Heron Drive and High Hill Road, which stayed in effect for more than an hour before being lifted after about 4:30 p.m.
Four individuals were transported to medical facilities for treatment. Three were taken to Cooper University Hospital, including two who were in critical condition, and one was moved to a Philadelphia-area hospital. Cooper Health initially reported that six patients were en route.
First responders described a heavy fire inside a single-story manufacturing building with part of the structure collapsing. The blast caused extensive damage to the facility and a neighboring building. Fire and hazardous materials teams remained on scene to monitor ongoing burn-off of another fuel product, and officials are checking air quality in the area.
The investigation is still working to determine the explosion’s cause and what fed the flames.
Eyewitness accounts reflect a startling moment for nearby workers. A man named Will Verity, who was inside a nearby business, said the building trembled and ceiling tiles fell as the explosion occurred, prompting an outdoor evacuation.
Eric Brunhammer, employed by Thomas Scientific on High Road, described hearing a forceful impact as if something slammed into an interior wall, followed by flickering lights and people rushing outside. He shared a photo with CBS News Philadelphia showing the aftermath.
Social media users reported hearing a loud blast and some claimed their homes shook. Video and posts circulated online, including surveillance footage capturing the moment of the explosion.
Local emergency teams from Camden County have joined Gloucester County in managing the incident.
This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Contributors: Marcella Baietto, Joe Holden.
