3 Workers Hurt in S.C. Chemical Explosion
SPARTANBURG, S.C. --
Firefighters said three workers suffered burns during a fire at a Spartanburg plant Wednesday morning.
The fire happened at the Odermath USA plant at 2751 New Cut Road about 8 a.m.
Firefighters said that the workers' injuries were minor. They said the plant manager suffered burns to his head, neck and face. All three workers were taken to a local hospital to be treated.
Investigators said that the fire appeared to be the result of a chemical explosion that happened while the victims were working with a metal called ferrotitanium. They said the workers were thrown about 15 feet by the explosion.
Firefighters were concerned that fog in the area may keep toxic fumes close to the ground. Emergency workers tested the air, but no evacuations were ordered.
Crews said the chemical involved in the explosion reacts with water, so they had to use special fire extinguishers and salt to put out the blaze.
Metal coils are made at the plant, Bubany said.
Ferrotitanium is an alloy of iron and titanium, according to Wikipedia.
Copyright 2011 by foxcarolina.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Got a story idea? E-mail news tips to [email protected]