PUEBLO — The Vice President of Operations at EVRAZ Pueblo, David Light, told News 5 that three people are still in the hospital after an explosion on Saturday at the EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel plant in Pueblo. Light also told News 5 that two people are being treated at Parkview Medical Center, and one person is being treated at a burn unit at a Denver-area hospital.
Mr. Light also told News 5, in total, eight people were taken to the emergency room for treatment and that five of them were released overnight. News 5 had previously reported that seven people were taken to the hospital after the explosion.
On Saturday, Light had said the injured employees were being treated for dust inhalation, cuts, and bruises.
“Our major concern is with the three that are still in the hospital and hoping that they get back to good health, and our thoughts are with them and their families,” said Light.
Light said that the explosion occurred when some water got into the furnace causing a build-up of pressure. The injured employees were being treated for dust inhalation. Light said that some may have also suffered some cuts and bruises.
Firefighters from the Pueblo Fire Department were dispatched as part of the emergency response. Deputies from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office also assisted with traffic control in the area.
Pueblo firefighters are on scene of a reported explosion at the Steel Mill. Please keep the area clear for responding units. pic.twitter.com/5xL4QbgsOk
— IAFF Local 3 (@IAFFLocal3) May 30, 2021
EVRAZ is a Russian company that owns several steel and mining sites all over the world and currently has six manufacturing facilities in North America.
According to its website, EVRAZ North America employs more than 1,400 people in the United States and 1,800 in Canada.
According to the city of Pueblo's website, the EVRAZ steel mill in Pueblo produces 45 percent of all railroad tracks in North America.
The EVRAZ spokesperson told News 5 that the plant will still be closed for quite some time while the investigation continues, and there is no timeline for reopening.
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