Investigators: Blast at Ohio explosives plant that injured 10 caused by broken detonating cord

Officials: Broken cord caused blast at Ohio plant

McARTHUR, Ohio — Investigators say a blast that injured 10 workers at an explosives manufacturing plant in southeast Ohio was caused by a broken detonating cord.

The explosion at Austin Powder Co.’s Red Diamond plant near McArthur on Tuesday blew off part of the roof and a wall. The plant makes explosives for the mining and construction industries.

Investigators from the state fire marshals’ office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives say a partially filled spool of cord exploded when a detonating cord broke during the manufacturing process.

Investigators do not suspect foul play.

About 200 people work at the McArthur facility, which was built in the 1930s and has dozens of buildings.

McArthur is about 60 miles southeast of Columbus.