By Evan Rosen
New York Daily News
OLD BRIDGE, N.J. — Police are investigating an explosion in Old Bridge, New Jersey, that left a 73-year-old woman dead and four other people injured on Wednesday.
The blast occurred around 11:30 a.m. at the Superior Signal Company on West Greystone Road and led to a hazardous materials response from several nearby towns, ABC7NY reported.
Authorities said the explosion and subsequent fire resulted from a chemical reaction in one of the company’s buildings. Superior Signal manufacturers smoke generators and other ultrasonic instruments for leak detection, according to the company website.
Among the injured were a 57-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man who both suffered significant burns. They were transported to nearby Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
First responders also treated a 65-year-old woman and a 62-year-old man for smoke inhalation and minor burns. They were later transported from the scene by ambulance.
Authorities have not yet identified any of the victims, but all five were reportedly employees of Superior Signal.
Across the street from the explosion, The Jonas Salk Middle School initiated a shelter-in-place order that was later lifted, according to Old Bridge police. Several homes in the area were also evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Law enforcement said the incident remains under investigation but that foul play is not suspected.
Emergency responses from surrounding towns included East Brunswick, Marlboro, Monroe and Spotswood.
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