OMAHA, Neb.
--
Workers said they continued to hear loud explosions as firefighters battled a multi-alarm blaze Wednesday at Nebraska Machine Products, south of I-680 near Mormon Bridge Road.
At least three people were injured in the fire, which spread quickly after a machine that separates oil and water exploded and caught fire around 10:30 a.m., according to fire spokesman James Gentile.
The steel manufacturing plant makes parts for machinery and relies on an oil-based lubricant for their tools.
Theres about 500 gallons of solvent in the property, Gentile said.
More than 70 firefighters responded to the four-alarm fire.
Fire officials said the flames spread quickly and got out of control. Of the 50 employees inside, only three suffered injuries. The three are listed in fair condition at Creighton University Medical Center.
The building is likely a total loss, according to officials.
Investigators are still looking into why the barrel caught fire.
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