Schools were closed and residents were ordered to take shelter after a major fire broke out at an aerospace manufacturer's plant in a town north of Philadelphia, authorities said, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
The fire broke out at SPS Technologies in Jenkintown around 9:30 p.m. Monday. Witnesses said there was an explosion and flames were seen in the warehouse, the Abington Police Department said in a statement on social media. The building was evacuated, all employees were found, and no injuries were reported.
SPS Technologies describes itself as a developer, manufacturer and global supplier of a line of aerospace fasteners and precision components.
Schools in Abington and Jenkintown, and all private and parochial schools, were closed Tuesday and will remain closed today.
Residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity of the plant - about 700 people - were asked to voluntarily evacuate late Tuesday afternoon "while conditions permit" due to air quality concerns.
Crews are monitoring air quality and recommending that all businesses within a 1-mile radius remain closed until further notice.