116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Small explosion damages wall, roof at Schneider Electric in southwest Cedar Rapids
CEDAR RAPIDS - A transformer in the testing area of Schneider Electric in southwest Cedar Rapids exploded after noon Wednesday.
Public Safety Communications Coordinator Greg Buelow said the explosion compromised the structural integrity of the building's north wall and roof truss members.
Firefighters responded for a reported explosion at 12:44 p.m. to the company's facility at 3700 Sixth Street SW. Sprinklers activated and contained the flames.
No one was near the explosion when it happened, and all workers got out safely.
Schneider Electric, which produces circuit breakers and other electrical components, was told a structural engineer must inspect the area before conducting a more detailed damage assessment of the interior.
Cedar Rapids Fire Department crews work on the scene of a fire at Schneider Electric in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Cedar Rapids Fire Department crews work on the scene of a fire at Schneider Electric in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Two Cedar Rapids firefighters stand by a door as crews work on the scene of a fire at Schneider Electric in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Cedar Rapids Fire Department crews work on the scene of a fire at Schneider Electric in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Employees stand outside Schneider Electric after a small explosion was reported at the plant Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015. (Troy Sepion/The Gazette)
Fire crews respond to Schneider Electric after a small explosion was reported at the plant Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015. (Troy Sepion/The Gazette)
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