Tuesday, July 28, 2015

4 workers flash burned after transformer exploded when they struck a power line at the former Elkem Metals Plant in Ally, West Virginia



ALLOY, WV -

UPDATE (2 p.m. 7/27/2015)

Emergency personnel have cleared the scene following an explosion at a metals plant in Fayette County where multiple injuries were reported.

It happened about 12 p.m. at the WVA Manufacturing, LLC facility on Route 60, the former Elkem Metals Plant.

Fayette County EMS said four people were suffered injuries. Two people were taken to Charleston Area Medical Center and a third was being treated at a hospital in Montgomery. The fourth person was transported by helicopter to Cabell Huntington Hospital for treatment of first and second degree burns to the face, throat and arms. The extent of the other victims' injuries are not known, but officials said all are expected to recover.

Workers were reportedly digging a hole to put in a fence post when they struck a power line leading to multiple transformers, according to Chief Myers with the Boomer Volunteer Fire Department. When the line was struck, it caused a flash fire causing a transformer to blow, Myers said.

As of 2 p.m. operations at the plant had resumed.

The incident remains under investigation.
_____
UPDATE (12:50 p.m. 7/27/2015)

Fayette County Emergency Management tells 13 News at least four people have been injured. They say two people were taken to CAMC General Hospital and another person was taken to Montgomery Hospital. Authorities say a fourth person was taken by helicopter to an area hospital with first and second degree burns. 

Names of the victims have not been released.

Emergency responders arrived on scene about 12 p.m. to West Virginia Manufacturing on Route 60,  the former Elkem Metals Plant, with reports of multiple injuries.

Chief Myers with the Boomer Volunteer Fire Department tells 13 News a flash fire ignited when workers hit multiple transformers while jack-hammering.

Initial reports indicate that workers made contact with an underground power line.  According to deputies with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, a couple of transformers blew. 

Keep clicking this story for updates.

_____
Three people have been injured following an explosion at Elkem Metals Plant in Alloy, WV. All Kanawha County EMS units were required to respond to the scene on Rt. 61.

We have a crew headed to the scene. 

This is a developing story.. please keep checking this story for updates.