EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation of the East Providence plant where 13 workers were injured in an explosion.
"We can confirm that OSHA has opened an investigation into this incident," Eric R. Lucero, the regional director of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Public Affairs, said in an email of the probe into the Aspen Aerogels explosion.
"OSHA has six months to complete this investigation," Lucero said.
Related: 13 Hurt In Explosion At Manufacturing Plant In East Providence: Authorities
Aspen Aerogels was rocked by the explosion shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday.
"A mass casualty incident has been declared, which activates mutual aid services from throughout the region and puts hospitals on notice in the region," East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said in a social media post Wednesday night.
See also: Warwick Police Say They Tracked Down And Arrested Man Who Sparked CCRI Lockdown
Eleven workers were hospitalized following the explosion, all of whom have since been discharged, according to Aspen Aerogels.
"The site is secure and the situation is under control," the company said.
See also: Rhode Island Baseball Great Davey Lopes Has Died
"The Company is currently assessing the impact of the incident," according to Aspen Aerogels. "Aspen has initiated a full investigation to determine the cause and is cooperating fully with local authorities. The Company will provide further updates as warranted."
Aspen Aerogels is a "technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions," according to the company website.
See also: Brown University Appoints Former Providence Police Chief Permanent Public Safety VP
"The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility and clean energy," the site said.
East Providence Fire Chief Michael Carey failed to respond to a call for comment.
See also: Florida Man Charged In Rhode Island With Intending To Distribute 14 Pounds of Meth: Feds
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
East Providence, RI Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.