Hickory Firefighters Respond To Explosion At Propane Plant, 1 Person Injured

HICKORY, N.C. –One person was injured after an explosion Friday afternoon at an oxygen and fuel supply company in Hickory, according to Catawba County Emergency Services.

Firefighters responded to the explosion that caused “an active fire emergency” around 1:28 p.m. at James Oxygen on Highway 321 NW in Hickory.

The injured person has been identified as an employee of the company, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment following the incident.

Initially two engines, one ladder, and one battalion chief responded to the fire.

Only minutes after arriving at the scene, firefighters say they witnessed smoke coming from the outside of the building and reported multiple explosions.

Officials say this is when additional units were called to assist with the incident.

As of 3 p.m. on September 3rd, firefighters say the fire is out and they are taking additional measures to ensure no additional fires/explosions occur.