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7 Hurt, 3 Of Them Critically, In Pueblo Steel Mill Explosion

PUEBLO, Colo. (CBS4) - Seven people were hurt in a steel mill explosion in Pueblo Saturday night. Pueblo firefighters rushed to the site of the Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel Plant on South Fwy Road at around 5:15 p.m.

Steel Mill Explosion 1 (Pueblo Firefighters IAFF)
(credit: Pueblo Firefighters IAFF)

David Light, the Vice President of Operations tells CBS4 water was somehow "introduced" into an electric arc furnace which created a "mild explosion." The seven victims suffered minor, non-life threatening injuries like bruises and dust inhalation. They were sent to Parkview Medical Center.

However, the assistant fire chief with the Pueblo Fire Department tells KKTV three people were "critically" injured in the explosion. One of those victims was taken to a burn unit in Denver. They are expected to survive.

Steel Mill Explosion 2 (Pueblo Firefighters IAFF)
(credit: Pueblo Firefighters IAFF)

Further details about the victims or situation were not released.

The plant is not operational as the investigation continues, but officials say it is secure.

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