Explosive demolition sent an old basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steel plant in Weirton, West Virginia, crashing down in seconds March 9, according to local news reports.
Frontier Group of Cos., based in Ontario, handled demolition of the Weirton Steel Basic Oxygen Plant. Frontier purchased the 1,100-acre parcel of land the plant was on in 2017 from ArcelorMittal, which no longer needed it for steelmaking.
A 1,000-foot exclusion zone was established for the demolition, with the general public required to remain outside the zone, according to the Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register. Those living inside the zone were asked to either remain in their homes or leave the area during demolition. Additionally, the company offered complimentary breakfast at two different restaurants for families living within the area during the time of the demolition.
A brief succession of explosions can be seen on the lower level of the structure before it comes toppling down, kicking up a large cloud of grey dust.
Local news outlet WTRF.com reports some residents who lived behind the plant experienced issues with debris after the demolition. Some residents reported that their doors blew open, pictures shook off the walls and windows shattered.
According to WTRF.com, Frontier is covering all repair costs and hotel bills for residents.
Once Frontier finishes salvaging the property, it will be repurposed for an unknown buyer.
A video of the demolition is shown below, courtesy of the Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register:
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