A Deadly Explosion
Situated near Cleveland, I. Schumann & Co., experienced a disastrous accident on Tuesday evening with a deadly explosion involving molten metal. The company produces recycled-content brass, bronze, and other metal ingots.
The blast took the life of one worker and resulted in numerous injuries, as well as significant property damage. The cause of the explosion remains “of unknown origin.”
Located in Oakwood Village, Ohio, the I. Schumann facility is positioned in a predominantly industrial area of Cleveland’s southeast suburbs.
I. Schumann & Co says its production procedure includes “sustainably sources tonnage of recycled metal daily” to manufacture its range of metal products. These include brass and bronze ingots and pellets, as well as other alloys and primary metals.
Multiple Reported Damages
In the aftermath of the Feb. 20 incident, a company statement reported “injuries to employees and significant damage to the facility.”
Adding, “We will work alongside investigators in their search for answers as part of our commitment to Northeast Ohio, where we have been operating for more than 100 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families at this difficult time.”
According to reports from WEWS-TV in Cleveland, the explosion “caused fires and blew debris over neighboring businesses, streets and cars.”
“At Least 14 Injured”
Local fire departments and other authorities reported multiple burn victims following the explosion. One individual was airlifted to a nearby hospital and several more were taken there by ambulance. Corresponding to WEWS-TV, “There were at least 14 people injured in the explosion.”
Tragically, Steve Mullins, 46 years old, passed away due to the blast. He had worked at the company for 25 years and celebrated his anniversary in 2019, as mentioned on the company Facebook page. Mullins leaves behind his beloved wife Danielle and two children, Jaret and Maddie, who will miss him dearly. To support the family during this time, a GoFundMe page has been created.
The Oakwood Fire Department commented on the I. Schumann facility, noting that it had been “relatively safe” for an extended period of time. Further explaining that “You’re dealing with molten hot metal—so there’s always an inherent danger.”
A Witness Gives a Statement
A TV reporter onsite provided a detailed account of what happened after the explosion. According to his narration, a bystander who was having lunch in his car nearby described hearing a loud “boom” when it occurred. He was thankful that he wasn’t struck by any of flying debris from the event.
“Bricks from the building were thrown across the parking lot,” WEWS stated in its account. “The brick wall of the building was completely blown away. Bricks struck cars and nearby businesses. Debris from the explosion was blown across the street.”
After the explosion, WEWS spoke with an official from the fire department who confirmed that there was a noticeable odor in the air. As part of its investigation and cleanup efforts, numerous roads have been closed temporarily.
I. Schumann Stays True to its Origins
Amid a wave of offshoring and globalization, I. Schumann stands out as a rarity in the North American metals industry sector.
The company has both decreased in size and consolidated its operations to avoid moving the business in a direction that could force it to compromise on quality.
At an Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) event back 2003, the late Ron Schumann, then co-owner of I. Schumann & Co. shared a startling fact with attendees, “In 1960, there were more than 60 brass ingot makers in the United States; today there are 10 left.”
