UPDATE:

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tennessee OSHA reported that a person died in a workplace fatality at TS USA on Thursday.

TOSHA said it is now investigating the circumstances that led to the worker’s death.

They also said it could take up to six months to complete the investigation.

SEE PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Man injured after chemical reaction causes explosion, firefighters say

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga firefighters said a chemical reaction caused an explosion at a liquid nitriding facility and sent one man to the hospital.

The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) responded to TS USA at 1031 Windtower Drive for reports of a commercial fire around 9 a.m. on Thursday.

According to CFD, the company has a “state-of-the-art bath nitriding line.” They said the building contains large cylinders containing a hot solution that reacts with water.

Chattanooga building where a fire injured an employee. Chattanooga Fire Department

CFD believes a chemical reaction caused an explosion and started the fire.

Employees extinguished the fire and attempted to help a coworker who was burned.

Once firefighters arrived, they began aiding the injured man and ensuring the fire was out.

Hamilton County EMS took one patient to the hospital with extensive burns.

In addition, responders treated three other workers with minor burns.

Responders evacuated the building due to a hazardous chemical being involved. However, CFD said there is no threat to the surrounding area.