Explosion At Newark Chemical Company Causes Fire: Officials

NEWARK, NJ — An explosion at an Essex County chemical flavoring business on Monday night set off a fire and damaged the company’s building and its equipment, but didn’t injure any workers or emergency responders, authorities say.

The “small chemical explosion” took place at Elan Foods Extracts and Ingredients, a company located at 268 Doremus Avenue, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Newark firefighters spotted flames coming from a 900-gallon tank outside the business around 10:17 p.m. According to authorities, the tank contained Methyl Anthranilate, a combustible chemical which likely exploded when it was mixed with hydrogen.

Officials said that none of the four employees at the scene or emergency responders suffered injury during the incident.

The fire resulted in moderate structural damage to equipment and the building, officials said.

“The NFD Hazardous Materials Team determined that no health concerns are evident,” Newark officials stated. “The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which also responded to the location, will monitor the cleanup to be conducted by the business.”

According to its website, Elan Inc. is a privately held business that has been in operation for more than 30 years, with offices and a production facility located in Newark. The company produces “natural and synthetic products available in the flavor and fragrance industry,” and “provides custom manufacturing on a strictly confidential basis.”

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