OAKWOOD VILLAGE, Ohio — Just one day removed from the catastrophic explosion at the I. Schumann & Co. plant in Oakwood Village, employees are still searching for answers, while remembering one of their own who lost his life in the blast.
The blast so loud, it could be heard easily by the residents of the nearby city of Walton Hills. A resident from Walton Hills heard it and immediately called 911. It was one of the first of many 911 calls to come in after the explosion.
Caller: "Oh my God I'm in Walton Hills and there is a huge explosion over here."
911: "Where at?"
Caller: "At one of these plants."
911: "What's your emergency?"
Caller: "Hey, Schumann over here on Alexander blew up in Oakwood Village."
Many more 911 calls came in from concerned citizens throughout the area who heard the blast from many miles away.
Then the heartbreaking news came a few hours later. A representative from I. Schumann & Co. revealed that the blast turned fatal, "It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of Steven Mullins, one of our valued colleagues and good friend to all."
The employees of I. Schumann & Co. will remember Mullins as a good man. Many on Tuesday were still in shock, trying to absorb the gravity of what had transpired just 24 hours before.
Mullins and several other employees were in the plant when it exploded. Thirteen others were injured. Investigators are currently calling it "an industrial accident." No cause has been determined through initial investigations.
Captain Brian DiRocco of the Oakwood Village Fire Department announced at Tuesday's press conference that the State Fire Marshal's office will be taking the lead in the investigation.
I. Schumann & Co. has agreed to fully cooperate with the investigation according to a spokesperson. A portion of their statement is below:
"We intend to cooperate with OSHA and other officials in their investigation as we search for answers in this tragic accident. We are working with our employees regarding their needs while the facility is idle and hope to have clarity on our operations in the near future."
A GoFundMe has been created for Mullins. Donations can be made HERE.