Update: Evacuation lifted for West Whiteland residents

The evacuation of West Whiteland Township residents has been lifted after officials determined they are no longer in danger from this morning’s hydrogen trailer explosion and fire at Johnson Matthey Medical Products.

Officials are still on the scene at the chemical plant, which is located on King Road, but the fire has been put out and residents have been told they can return home.

Authorities evacuated residents after emergency responders were dispatched to the West Whiteland business after a reported hydrogen trailer explosion and fire.

An evacuation center was set up at East Whiteland Fire Company on Planebrook Road in Frazer.

According to Kathy Sheridan, who lives right behind Johnson Matthey Medical Products, an emergency official showed up at her home and told her she had to leave right away.

She added that this was the first time something like this has ever happened.

“This is the first issue we ever had, but when the emergency official showed up,” Sheridan said, “I knew it was there because there is no place else that would explode.”

According to CBSPhilly.com, authorities say a trailer containing hydrogen cylinders caught fire.  It took crews more than two hours to get the blaze under control. At least one person was hurt, and was taken to Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

County emergency officials say the company that owned the trailer asked them to evacuate homes near the plant along King and Ravine Roads, Glen Loch Way, and Lewis Lane.  About 330 residents were asked to go to the East Whiteland fire station, where the American Red Cross was assisting them.

The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania was on the scene at the East Whiteland Fire Company to assist with a reception center for residents that have been evacuated. They also provided canteen services for these residents.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story said that Kathy Sheridan was not allowed to bring her dogs with her.  That statement was incorrect and has been removed for accuracy.