'Large explosion' at NJ welding company kills man

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — An investigation is ongoing into the cause of a loud explosion that killed a worker at a welding company Wednesday morning.

The explosion around 10:40 a.m. caused a rip in the roof of Timberlane Welding Services in the Mullica Hill section, according to acting Gloucester County Prosecutor Christine Hoffman.

Bruce A. Cheeseman, 47, of the Cedarville section of Lawrence in Cumberland County, died as a result of the explosion.

Township police described it as a "commercial accident involving an explosion" in a statement on their Facebook page. Businesses across the street told 6 ABC Action News that the explosion was so loud it caused their buildings to shake.

Neither Hoffman nor OSHA, which is investigating the crash, disclosed a cause for the explosion. An OSHA spokeswoman told New Jersey 101.5 that the federal agency can take up to six months to conclude its investigation.

An unnamed official told NJ.com that Cheeseman was working on a truck inside the building at the time of the explosion.

Timberlane Welding Services on Thursday morning did not respond to New Jersey 101.5's request for more information.

Anyone with additional information about the explosion is asked to call the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-384-5685, or Harrison Township Police at 856-478-6839.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

Cape May, NJ: 15 wonderful places to visit

NJ beach tags guide for summer 2022

We're coming up on another summer at the Jersey Shore! Before you get lost in the excitement of sunny days on the sand, we're running down how much seasonal/weekly/daily beach tags will cost you, and the pre-season deals you can still take advantage of!

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: