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Blast at Poway business injures five

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An explosion rocked a Poway business shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday in the business park.

The explosion occurred at Quantum Energy Storage at 13350 Gregg Street, off of Community Road.

Five people were reported injured in the blast, with four being transported by emergency personnel for treatment. None of the injuries are thought to be life-threatening, said Jan Caldwell, public affairs director for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

A statement issued by Quantum Energy Storage on Wednesday said that three of the employees had scratches and one had a broken ankle.

The explosion is suspected to be an industrial accident, said Caldwell, caused by spinning centrifuge. Despite several alarms, monitors and human monitoring, there was no apparent warning before the explosion.

“There was no indication of any sort of problems,” said Caldwell.

The statement from Quantum Energy Storage said that the company will “thoroughly investigate the R&D incident” and will be working with public safety agencies.

There were no chemical or hazardous materials released by the explosion.

Caldwell said that several agencies, including the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s bomb and arson squad and the FBI, were on the scene Wednesday after the incident in “an abundance of caution.” “They’re going through the building to make sure there is nothing else,” said Caldwell.

Caldwell also said a building inspector was examining the structure to assess the damage and to see if it was structurally sound enough for crews to go inside. “There’s been significant damage to that part of the building,” said Caldwell.

Quantum Energy Storage has been in this location in the business park for less than a year, said Caldwell. It stores electrical energy that can be used in solar or wind farms.

“I apologize for any disruption to our supportive local community and thank the City of Poway and local safety personnel for their rapid response and support,” said Tien Nguyen, CEO of Quantum Energy Storage, in the released statement.

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