Explosion at Lithium Battery Recycling Facility in Missouri Causes Fire; No Injuries Reported

On October 30, 2024, a fire broke out at a lithium-ion battery recycling plant near Fredericktown, Missouri, around 2:30 p.m. Smoke was visible from Critical Mineral Recovery, a facility specializing in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and associated materials.

Authorities advised residents in the path of the smoke plume, which was blowing north from the site, to shelter indoors. People were instructed to close windows, doors, and turn off air conditioning to avoid exposure to the smoke.

Local emergency response teams, including the Fredericktown Fire Department, Cherokee Pass Fire Protection District, Madison County Ambulance District, Fredericktown Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and Missouri State Highway Patrol, responded to the incident.

The first call reporting the fire was received at 1:37 p.m., and by Wednesday evening, the blaze was largely under control. Route 72 was closed between the Highway OO bypass and Lincoln Drive to allow fire trucks to shuttle water without interference from traffic.

As of the latest reports, no injuries had been reported.

Video source: Storyful and news.com.au