JENKTOWN, Pa. — A significant fire erupted at an aerospace manufacturing facility in Jenkintown, located just north of Philadelphia, prompting local authorities to shutter schools and issue a shelter-in-place directive for residents on Tuesday. The incident began late Monday night around 9:30 p.m. at SPS Technologies, where witnesses reported a loud explosion followed by visible flames within the warehouse, according to a statement from the Abington Township Police on social media. Fortunately, the building was evacuated successfully, and all staff members were accounted for, with no injuries reported.
SPS Technologies is known as a developer and manufacturer that supplies aerospace fasteners and various precision components globally. In the wake of the fire, both Abington and Jenkintown school districts, along with all private and parochial educational institutions in the area, announced closures for Tuesday.
Officials emphasized that the shelter-in-place order would remain in effect until the situation was fully under control, as smoke and other particulates from the blaze were drifting through the vicinity. Hazardous materials teams were dispatched to monitor air quality, informing all businesses situated within a one-mile radius to remain closed until further updates were provided.
Additionally, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority alerted commuters that service was suspended on three regional rail lines at the beginning of the day due to the fire incident. They also indicated that this situation could potentially lead to delays throughout the broader transportation network.
