AYER, Mass. (WHDH) — One person is dead and three people were injured in an explosion at a furnace company in Ayer around 5:22 p.m. on Friday.
The explosion happened at the AVS Furnace Company on Fitchburg Road. The explosion was so powerful it tore a hole in the roof. People in the area said homes and businesses shook when the explosion happened.
“Like you’re at a rock concert or something like that. You could feel yourself vibrating almost. It was like that,” said Connor Ghiz, who works nearby.
BREAKING: Explosion and fire in Ayer, MA. Initial reports say one person taken to the hospital. 60 Fitchburg Rd. @7News pic.twitter.com/0ZpAJUeTVU
— Alex DiPrato (@AlexDiPrato) March 23, 2018
One employee was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital in Worcester. He was later pronounced dead. Another employee suffered minor injuries. Two firefighters were injured, one with chest pains and another picked up a charged wire, but both are expected to be OK.
The cause of the explosion is said to have been related to an apparent pressure vessel malfunction.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is now investigating.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)