Canby, Oregon, is reeling after an explosion at an industrial facility on Tuesday afternoon left two schools closed and led to evacuation orders across the area. The blast, which occurred around 3:30 p.m., erupted at Kittyhawk Manufacturing, causing significant damage to the building and raising safety concerns among local officials.
Eyewitness reports indicated that the force of the explosion blew the roof off the Kittyhawk facility, prompting Clackamas County authorities to issue a “Level 3 – Go Now!” evacuation alert for residents near the site. The evacuation was deemed necessary amid fears that a second tank at the facility might also explode.
Kittyhawk Manufacturing specializes in hot isostatic pressing, a process that involves high heat and pressure within an inert gas environment, specifically using argon gas, as outlined on the company’s website. Fire Chief Matt Dale noted that the explosion was linked to an incident involving one of the facility’s gas tanks, which sustained substantial damage.
Three employees were present at the facility during the explosion. While all evacuated safely, one individual required medical attention for minor injuries sustained during the incident. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported among the local population, despite some nearby structures suffering damage.
Fire officials have assured the community that there was no release of harmful materials from the explosion, yet concerns remained leading to widespread evacuations. In light of these events, the Canby school district decided to close Trost Elementary School and Baker Prairie Middle School on Wednesday as a precaution.
Though both schools lie outside the designated evacuation area, officials expressed worries for students who travel to campus on foot or by bike, emphasizing the priority of student safety. The district’s decision reflects a proactive approach in addressing community concerns following the incident.
In response to the evacuation orders, the American Red Cross has established a shelter at Baker Prairie Middle School, providing resources for residents displaced by the explosion. While emergency services have begun their investigations, the cause of the blast remains under review, with officials working diligently to uncover the details leading up to this frightening event.