On Monday, February 17th, 2025, a large fire broke out at SPS Technologies in Abington Township. This event began due to an explosion at the Glenside building that led to a raging fire, causing a shelter-in-place order to be instituted for those within one mile of the building. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries.
The cause of the fire has not yet been identified; however, investigations suggest it was due to issues around maintaining building safety codes.
On Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, the fire was finally extinguished; however, there were many negative implications as a result of the incident. There have been concerns about soil contamination and traces of cyanide found in the Tookany Creek, which runs next to the plant. These worries have been eased as authorities have assured that the drinking water remains safe. Further environmental testing has ensued throughout the following weeks as a precaution.
Cody, a Springfield Township junior, first learned of the fire from his aunt who lives near the factory. She sent him videos of “the thick smoke and huge flames” and expressed her concern for the “safety of the community.” Cody’s grandmother also lives right down the street from the factory, causing “great fear for the health and safety” of his loved ones.
With the safety issues presented from this incident, SPS Technologies faces a class action lawsuit against them on behalf of the residents and businesses in the surrounding areas. As per CBS News, the lawsuit claims that SPS was negligent in maintaining the needed safety standards and suggests that the fire led to a significant economic loss and emotional troubles around the community.
This fire has also caused quite a disruption in the aerospace industry as SPS Technologies is a major supplier of the various specialized fasteners essential to companies like Airbus and Boeing. Production delays are expected due to the destruction of the plant, which will likely have consequences for the global supply chain.
This disaster should lead as an example of the importance of keeping codes up to date and following all necessary procedures in such an environment.
