Chemical explosion in Taunton sends three workers to hospital

Three workers at an industrial plant suffered flash burns on their faces and hands after a chemical explosion in Taunton triggered a hazmat incident early Sunday morning, according to the fire department.

The three employees were transported to Morton Hospital, where they were treated and released. No firefighters were injured at the hazmat incident.

At 12:25 a.m., Taunton firefighters responded to IQE, located at 200 John Hancock Road, for a reported explosion inside the plant.

Upon arrival, firefighters found three employees suffering from flash burns on their faces and hands. Firefighters were notified about the possibility that hazardous materials were released into the air.

Officials requested a Tier 2 Hazardous Materials Response — bringing in resources, personnel and equipment from around the region.

Firefighters determined that the incident involved compressed hydrogen and arsine. The hazmat crew determined there was no release of materials into the environment, and that the danger was confined to a piece of equipment used in manufacturing.

At the time of the explosion, the equipment was undergoing maintenance.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

According to its website, IQE is “the global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced semiconductor wafer products.”