Explosion near northwest Charlotte chemical plant causes massive fire, officials say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - An explosion near a northwest Charlotte chemical plant caused a massive fire Tuesday morning, according to the fire department.

The explosion happened around 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at a building along Tar Heel Road near Bond Street. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were initially blocking the roadway to Hovis Road.

Officials reported that improper thawing of a known chemical resulted in a “violent polymerization” and estimated about $425,000 in property/content loss.

The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force determined the fire was accidental.

Firefighters said when they arrived on the scene, they saw fire showing through the roof of the building and found a tanker inside the facility on fire.

At 7:36 a.m., they reported a second alarm was struck due to the complexity of the fire. Drone footage released by the department showed the fire’s aftermath:

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

A photo from Interstate 85 South showed heavy smoke in the distance.

According to Batallion Chief John Lipcsak, there was no danger to the area.

“Units will remain on scene for an extended period of time for an investigation and to monitor the air and runoff,” said Lipcsak.