WALTON HILLS, Ohio -- Explosions and flames ripped through a Walton Hills trucking repair company and metal processing plant Friday. The businesses burned for several hours.

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Trucking Co. Explosion

Heavy smoke and flames shot 100 feet out the roof of Bencin Trucking Co. Several explosions were seen from the air.

The fire chief said that Titanium and Magnesium stored in the building mixed with the water being sprayed on the fire and caused the blasts.

An e-mail to NewsNet5.com said that fireballs could be seen as far away as Cochran Road in Solon.

NewsChopper5 pilot Thom Bencin started the trucking company and sold it five years ago.

He spoke with the current owner, who said the fire started in the back of the building at a scrap metal processing plant, Ohio Briquetting. The fire spread to the roof, which is made of wood. The wood burned quickly and is difficult to put out.

Bencin said that the trucking company owns 55 to 60 vehicles.

Four fire departments battled the blaze. The fire started at 8:40 a.m.

Northfield Road was closed between Forbes and Alexander roads.

The trucking company business is a total loss.