By Mark Scott and Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Luvata plant on Military Road in Buffalo was back in operation Tuesday morning after some tense moments during the early morning hours.
There was an explosion in a casting machine at about 6:00 A.M., according to plant officials. Richard Lyons, the vice president of finance for Luvata, said the explosion was caused when some molten metal came in contact with water.
Fire department officilas said that four workers were hospitalized at the Erie County Medical Center with burns and one person with a broken ankle. The severity of the burns was not known, however, none were life threatening. Company officials said two other employees were treated at the scene.
Lyons said the temperature of the molten metal can reach 700 degrees celsius.
Lyons said none of the injuries are believed to be life threatening. The Buffalo Fire department had left the scene by 8:30 A.M., however, its investigation continues. OSHA and other agencies are also investigating.
Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield said damages are estimates at $250,000.
Lyons said that the company also began its own investigation, which should take about three days to complete.
Luvata is located at the old American Brass plant.