Officials look over what is left holding tank after the explosion. (Submitted photo/Waddy Thompson)

On January 9, at approximately 7:12 a.m., the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call regarding an explosion with injury at Paramount Chemicals & Plastics, Inc in Felda. Immokalee Fire Department was first on scene followed by LaBelle Volunteer Fire Department, Felda Volunteer Fire Department and other Hendry County First Responders.

The injured individual was transported via Lee Flight to Lee Memorial Hospital from the Felda Fire Department where he had been taken to wait for the helicopter. Hazmat cleared the scene. Investigators with the Hendry County Sheriffs Office and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection conducted a full investigation of the accident.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was also notified.

According to their website, Paramount Chemicals & Plastics, Inc.“is a full-service chemical company in the business of supplying agricultural, industrial, and municipal customers. Our services include consultations, testing, sales, installations, troubleshooting, and delivery.” The website also states that they “have expertise in acid, chlorine, and fertilizer injection systems for groves, nurseries, and vegetable field applications, offer chemicals for municipal water treatment systems including chlorine polymers, anti-scalants, and corrosion inhibitors and they have Accu-Tab Calcium Hypocholorite tablets, hydrogen peroxide and quaternary ammonium for food processing and safety as well.”