Pennsylvania Wax Plant Fire Deemed Accidental

State and federal fire investigators say an explosion and fire at a northwestern Pennsylvania wax plant was accidental, though they haven’t described the specific cause.

A state police fire marshal says investigators from that agency and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined the explosion and fire originated in the filter plant of the International Wax plant near Smethport on Sunday.

One worker was treated and released for a minor injury.

International Group Inc. spokeswoman Heather Meikle says shipping operations have been halted for now at the plant at Routes 44 and 446. The company is still assessing the damage and its cause.

International Group has owned the plant, which employs about 130 people, since 2005. The plant makes petroleum-based wax used in paper cups and plates, tires and candles.