Explosions, blaze at old RCA factory in Marion send 6 firefighters to hospital
MARION, Ind. (WISH) — Six firefighters are recovering after two fires and two explosions at the former RCA Thomson consumer electronics complex in Marion.
A fire at the complex, which runs along Adams Street between 33rd and 38th streets, was called in at 6:11 p.m. Saturday. Crews were on the scene by 6:14 p.m., according to Marion Fire Chief Geoff Williams.
Williams said two tanks containing unconfirmed substances exploded, causing ringing in the ears of four Marion firefighters. Another firefighter injured his shoulder, according to Assistant Fire Chief Tony Fox. A volunteer from Mill Township cut his hand. The firefighters were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Authorities would not confirm arson as the cause but said the fire was under investigation.
There was a large fire at the same complex about 10 years ago, the chief said, and as a precaution Fox “did an excellent job” getting fire crews to the scene.
Five additional fire departments were called out to assist, and the fire was marked under control in two hours.
The main building and a southeast corner loading dock area, both reportedly used as storage, were locations of the fire, with flames coming through the roof of the larger building.
An active business on the west side of building called Computer Age Engineering was not believed to have been affected, according to Williams.