Explosion and Fire at Tradebe Environmental Services Facility in Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT – Emergency crews responded to an explosion at the Tradebe Environmental Services facility on Cross Street, according to city officials. Firefighters and police are currently on scene for what has been described as a major fire.
Initially, it was reported that the explosion and fire occurred at Standard Oil, but it has since been confirmed to have taken place at the Tradebe Environmental Services facility. Three people have been taken to Bridgeport Hospital and are currently listed in fair or stable condition. One person is being treated for burns and two others are receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim posted videos on Facebook from nearby the scene, urging people to avoid the area and advising anyone in the vicinity to wear a mask due to the smoke from the fire. An area near Willow Street and Cross Street was initially evacuated, but residents have been allowed to return, with a request to stay indoors.
The City of Bridgeport has urged residents to stay inside to minimize exposure to the smoke, although a fire official later confirmed that air quality has been deemed safe. Fire crews from Stratford and Fairfield are also at the scene, assisting with the ongoing situation.
Several streets in the area have been closed due to the fire, including Bishop Ave from Connecticut Ave to Barnum Ave, East Ave from Bishop Street to Barnum Ave, Barnum Ave from Prince Street to Bishop Ave (both east and westbound), Elizabeth Street from Cross Street to Barnum Ave, and Willow Street from Cross Street to Barnum Ave.
A spokesperson for Tradebe Environmental Services issued a statement on the incident, expressing that they are cooperating and working closely with first responders and regulators. They also stated that their thoughts are with the three individuals who were injured and that they are currently being evaluated at a local hospital. Tradebe Environmental Services is known for providing flexible, innovative, and technologically driven solutions for the processing and recovery of hazardous and non-hazardous waste at over 80 sites worldwide.