Man injured after St. Catharines explosion, fire at industrial facility

UPDATE: Residents who evacuated from the area were allowed to return to their homes shortly after 5 p.m. Fire officials say the business has been cooperating with the investigation.

Police are advising residents this morning in the north end of St. Catharines to stay inside and close their windows due to large explosions caused by a fire at a chemical plant.

The explosions reportedly happened shortly after 6:30 a.m. at 20 Keefer Rd. This is the location of Ssonix Products Inc. Witnesses say giant plumes of smoke can be seen in the sky above the facility.

Niagara police are working with Niagara Emergency Medical Services and St. Catharines Fire Services to contain the area.

Officers are working to evacuate nearby homes and businesses and close some roads.

ATTN. #StCatharines – Explosions – North End – Seaway Haulage Rd / Keefer Rd.

Working with @NiagaraEMS @STCFireServices

STAY indoors out of the smoke. Officers evacuating nearby homes and businesses.

Road Closusres. Stay out of the area.

More info. to come as available. pic.twitter.com/aw56CU7a1f

— NRPS (@NiagRegPolice) January 12, 2023

Niagara Student Transportation Services says some bus routes are facing cancellations as a result of the explosion. Students and parents are advised to check NSTS’s website for further updates.

Ssonix Productions treats both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes for off-site disposal

Onsite services include the treatment of flammable rags and evacuation of aerosol cans.

St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper says one person has been taken to hospital with burns.

Upper also said that firefighters “know there are various chemicals inside” the burning building.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has been called in due to the chemical nature of the fire.