A truck working in a mine at Springfield Underground near Haseltine Road, north of Chestnut, has caught fire. Springfield Fire Department responded, and 7 employees and 17 individuals from nearby businesses and homes were evacuated safely out of an abundance of caution. The truck was carrying “ANFO” an acronym for the most popular blasting agents in use today. It stands for ammonium nitrate, fuel oil.
The truck continues to burn as officials from the United States Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Institute arrive onsite to monitor the situation and take lead on the event.
Mine Institute officials say it is safe for area residents to return to the area and for nearby Haseltine Road to reopen. The situation is contained within a 2000-feet radius on the Springfield Underground property.
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For more information, contact Louis Griesemer at 874-1400