Two steelworkers remain hospitalized today following a massive explosion at the EVRAZ steel mill in Pueblo, Colorado.
In the meantime, the U.S. Occupational Health & Safety Administration is working with EVRAZ and the United Steel Workers to determine exactly what led up to the blast that injured eight employees over the Memorial Day weekend, including three rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Water May Have Entered Electric Arc Furnace, Triggering Explosion
The May 29th explosion erupted in an electric arc furnace used to melt steel. David Light, the plant’s vice president of operation, told the Pueblo Chieftain the blast might have occurred after water made its way into the, causing pressure to build and ultimately erupt.
Seven EVRAZ employees were rushed to various hospitals in the immediate aftermath of the incident, including one man flown to Denver’s UCHealth burn unit in critical condition. Six others traveled via ambulance to Parkview Hospital in Pueblo, including two critically injured patients admitted to the ICU. An eighth worker drove himself to the emergency room on Saturday evening.
Five of the injured employees were treated and released the same day, and a sixth was released on Wednesday. The two patients who remain hospitalized — one at Parkview and one at the UCHealth burn unit — are expected to survive.
Parts of EVRAZ Steel Mill to Remain Closed Pending Investigation
The electric arc furnace will remain shut down for the foreseeable future, as will other steel-making portions of the plant. However, because EVRAZ does have a supply of steel on-site, other sections are operational.
The United Steel Workers Emergency Response Team is working with EVRAZ Human Resources officials to support employees. According to the Pueblo Chieftain, Magellan Health Care, an Employee Assistance Program, will have a crisis grief counselor on site this week.
The program is available 24-hours-a-day by calling 800-523-5668.
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