TOLEDO, Ohio — Two people died following an explosion and fire at an industrial facility in Toledo on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Family members identified one of the victims as Mary Allen. Her daughter, Lenore Bangura, described her mother as a loving mother and grandmother who was deeply dedicated to her job.
“My mom was amazing, and I’m going to miss her,” Bangura said. “I’m mad as hell she came to work on time. I’m mad as hell she’s so dedicated to this company that she was the first one in and the last one out.”
Toledo Fire and Rescue officials said two people were initially reported unaccounted for after the explosion, which occurred during a shift change just before 5 a.m. at an industrial cleaning and recycling facility on South Ave.
Twelve workers were inside the building at the time of the blast. Most escaped with minor injuries, first responders said.
Investigators said the facility contained multiple tanks of mineral spirits. Flames reportedly reached more than 100 feet into the air, and the building partially collapsed as a result of the explosion.
Crews contained the fire by approximately 6:15 a.m., though smoke continued billowing from the site for hours afterward.
Toledo Fire and Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong said the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Officials said further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.