Logan Twp., NJ explosion injures business owner, other workers at factory
LOGAN TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Surveillance video captured the moment an explosion tore through Savita Naturals on Wednesday afternoon, injuring multiple people, including the company's owner.
Logan Township police said the footage is part of an ongoing investigation into what caused the blast.
Authorities said the investigation will now be handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and that the incident is not believed to be criminal in nature.
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Among those injured was company owner Richard Trout. His son, Kevin Trout, said his father suffered severe burns and a broken arm and is being treated in a medically induced coma at Temple's burn unit. Despite the seriousness of his injuries, the family expects him to recover.
"It's got to be very painful for the level of burns he has. I think it's over 56% of his body," Kevin Trout said on Thursday afternoon.
The Trout family started the business decades ago, initially producing cocoa butter before expanding into other products, including CBD. Kevin Trout described his father's dedication to the company and its operations.
"He went above and beyond in every possible way because he didn't have a chance at failure -- hence the amount of years we've had without any issues," he said.
Officials said three other employees were hospitalized with critical injuries. Another person at a nearby facility suffered a medical emergency following the explosion and three additional patients transported themselves to local hospitals.
Drone footage showed extensive damage to the site, where fire crews spent much of the day pouring water onto the building. Nearby business owners said they were stunned by the blast.
"My first reaction was, 'My God, I wonder if a plane went down,'" recalled Joe Tracy of R&R Ceilings.
Tracy and others in the area said their focus has been on the well-being of those injured.
"We're all in business in the same community here. That's all we want to know. How's everyone doing?" Tracy said.
Another nearby worker, identified as Andrew, echoed that sentiment.
"It's important that at the end of the day everyone goes to work and they get to come back home to their families, so that's what we're wishing for the folks who were in that facility," he said.
Officials said nearby buildings also sustained damage.
A church-operated food pantry next door reported ceiling damage and is working to determine when it can reopen to the public.
