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5 injured after 'high pressure steamline failure' at Eastman Chemical Company

A "high pressure steamline failure" was the cause of the loud noises reported at Eastman Monday morning, the company said in a statement.

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — All five people injured following Monday morning's "high pressure steam line failure" at Eastman Chemical Plant near Kingsport have been treated and released from medical facilities, according to Eastman officials.

All five received minor injuries and received treatment from Eastman Medical or Holston Valley Medical Center.

Officials said there was no fire and the initial incident is under control.  

Debris fell in nearby neighborhoods following the incident Monday morning.

Credit: WCYB

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation "is not aware of any information that would indicate a significant air release with immediate public health or environmental implications," according to a response.

You can watch Eastman's virtual news conference from Monday afternoon below.

The Kingsport Fire Department was called Monday to help the Eastman Fire Department after loud noises and smoke were reported at the plant, officials said Monday.

Here is the full statement from Eastman:

The morning of Monday, January 31, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Eastman experienced a high pressure steam line failure at our Kingsport manufacturing site resulting in vibrations that were felt by the surrounding community and loud noises from a consistent heavy release of steam. Five people on site experienced minor injuries and received treatment from Eastman Medical or at Holston Valley Medical Center.

There was no fire and the initial incident is now under control. Eastman’s Fire Department responded to the call with assistance from Kingsport Fire Department.

Eastman will continue to gather information and provide details to our team members and the community as quickly as possible. These are current updates:

The high pressure steam line failure was on the northeast side of the manufacturing site. This resulted in power outages to some portions of the site.

Per our safety processes, personnel in that area of the plant and surrounding areas were held in place.

The steam line failure that resulted in loud noises and vibrations also caused the release of small particle debris that can occur with utility line disruptions. This may be seen in the immediate community near the site. Eastman Public Affairs will provide updates through our Community Care Line: 423-229-CARE.

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