UPDATE: Crash into Middletown plant causes large fire, evacuations

A vehicle crashed into the Air Products facility on Yankee Road in Middletown and caused a fire this afternoon.

Police and fire crews were at the scene as of about 3:30 p.m., and some were evacuated near the plant at 2500 Yankee and on Meadow Avenue, according to Middletown Police Chief David Birk. Those who were evacuated later returned to their homes.

Fire Chief Paul Lolli said shortly before 3 p.m. the vehicle hit an above-ground natural gas line in front of the plant causing a fire that was being fed by natural gas.

“Heavy flames were shooting 30 to 40 feet into the air,” Lolli said, noting other gas lines were located in proximity to the fire “so it was a very serious situation.”

One victim in the car was transported to Atrium Medical Center with serious burns. There were no other injuries.

The gas lines have been shut down and the situation is under control, Lolli said at 3:55 p.m

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