Explosion reported at Noranda Aluminum

MARSTON -- A large explosion blew a hole in a roof at Noranda Aluminum Co. around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, but only two persons were transported by ambulance due to injuries from the blast.

According to New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens, the severity of injuries to the two employees transported by ambulance was unknown. He said several people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and were also having their hearing checked due to the loud explosion.

Noranda spokesman John Parker said all workers were accounted for and there were no life-threatening injuries. He said some people suffered what appeared to be non-critical burns and smoke inhalation.

Parker said a molten metal explosion occurred in the cast house of the plant, where aluminum is converted into finished products. Production in the cast house has been suspended, Parker said, but work continued at the rest of the facility.

Noranda employs about 900 workers in New Madrid County. Parker said about 20 people were working in the area where the explosion happened.

For more on the story see Wednesday's Standard Democrat.