PROMONTORY, Utah — A powerful explosion at a Northrop Grumman facility in Box Elder County early Wednesday morning has left the building in ruins and caused an ongoing fire. Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after the blast occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on April 16.
Deputy Chief Kade Palmer of the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the explosion, stating that no injuries or fatalities have been reported at this time. “As with all investigations, further details may emerge, but for now, there is no additional information to share,” the Sheriff’s Office said in an official statement.
Family members of Northrop Grumman employees expressed relief upon learning their loved ones were unharmed. One relative shared that she had received a message from her brother-in-law, who works at the facility, confirming he was safe—before she had even heard about the explosion.
Local resident Tyler Freeze, whose father works at the facility, described the moment he first saw the smoke. “I noticed smoke, so I immediately texted my dad,” Freeze said. “Before I even got a reply, I heard the explosion—it felt like the truck engine had exploded.”
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, though the building appears to be a total loss. This incident follows a history of safety concerns at the facility. Over recent years, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has received multiple complaints regarding the plant, including health and safety violations, as well as accidents.
One notable incident occurred in early 2023, when two employees tragically died after being exposed to argon gas, which suffocated them. Their deaths were ruled accidental, but the company was fined over $172,000 for 13 serious citations related to safety protocols, including issues with respiratory protection and confined space entry.
As the investigation into Wednesday’s explosion continues, authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the blast. ABC4 will provide updates as new information becomes available.
- Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Welcomes 4 New Macaroni Penguins - April 19, 2025
- Jazz Rookie Keyonte George Scores Career-Best 35 in Defeat - April 19, 2025
- Children’s Miracle Network Mourns Loss of Co-Founder Joe Lake at 82 - April 19, 2025
