Employees Treated After Motor Overheats in Franklin
Two workers were hospitalized following smoke inhalation at a local manufacturing plant on Tuesday.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Manufacturing

Two employees at the Lasko fan manufacturing facility on Confederate Drive were treated for smoke inhalation after a vacuum pump motor overheated. The facility closed for the remainder of the day to address necessary repairs following the incident.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the critical nature of equipment maintenance in industrial settings to prevent safety hazards. Quick actions by personnel on-site helped contain the situation before emergency crews arrived.
Emergency crews arrived at 10 a.m. and remained on-site for more than one hour to ensure the safety of the facility. Two individuals required medical treatment for smoke inhalation after using a dry chemical fire extinguisher on the motor.
The players
Lasko
Lasko is a manufacturer known for producing household fans and portable heaters used in homes across the country.
The details
Staff at the Lasko facility successfully used a dry chemical fire extinguisher to address the overheated pump motor located near the building roof. While no active fire was discovered by firefighters upon arrival, the plant ceased operations for the day.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: The motor overheated and employees required medical treatment.
10 a.m., October 29, 2026: Fire crews responded to the reported structure fire at the facility.
Market Landscape
This event follows a pattern set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration equipment safety standards, which mandate rigorous oversight of machinery to protect worker health. Such incidents underscore the broader industrial challenge of maintaining aging infrastructure while ensuring consistent production output.
The temporary closure of the manufacturing plant may impact local production timelines for the brand's products. Residents near Confederate Drive should expect minimal disruption as the facility completes necessary repairs.
The takeaway
Maintaining regular inspection schedules for heavy-duty motors can significantly reduce the risk of workplace incidents. Employees should remain familiar with the location and operation of safety equipment like fire extinguishers to mitigate hazards immediately.
Further reading
For more on industrial safety protocols in the region, see Manufacturing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wsmv.









