HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – An asphalt tower exploded and caught fire this morning in Hackettstown.
At 11:18 a.m., firefighters responded to Garden State Asphalt, located at 100 Bilby Rd, in reference to an explosion with a fire, police said
Through a police investigation, it was determined that 48 year-old man from Bushkill, PA was loading product from the asphalt tank to a truck, police said.
HACKETTSTOWN,NJ (Warren County) – Firefighters on scene of an asphalt tower that exploded and caught fire at Garden State Asphalt, located at 100 Bilby Rd. Many residents in the surrounding area heard the loud explosion. pic.twitter.com/hv0fHHlVSM
— Jay Edwards (@JayEdwardsWrnj) December 15, 2017
The employee was using a propane torch to keep the valve hot and as he was using the torch, the vapors coming out of the tank caused a flashback, police said.
“We work across the street, it was loud and shook the building,” Angela Pino told WRNJ.
The man suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention, police said.
#RNJNEWS: VIDEO: HACKETTSTOWN,NJ (Warren County) – Firefighters on scene of an asphalt tower that exploded and caught fire at Garden State Asphalt. pic.twitter.com/5jz6Q4BpwI
— Jay Edwards (@JayEdwardsWrnj) December 15, 2017
Assisting the Hackettstown Fire Department and Hackettstown Rescue Squad were the Independence Twp. Police, Independence Twp. Fire Department, Tri-County Fire Company, Mount Olive Fire Marshal, Warren County Fire Marshal, and the Hackettstown Building Inspector.
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By: Jay Edwards Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook
