One worker was killed and eight others were hurt in a chemical explosion at a General Motors auto stamping plant in Marion, Indiana, the company said Tuesday, according to The Associated Press.
Four injured workers were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Marion General Hospital, while four additional workers were treated for injuries at the scene, GM said, the AP reported. The blast killed James L. Gibson, 48, Grant County Coroner Stephen Dorsey said.
The explosion involved a chlorine dioxide tank, and the chemical continued spilling out after the explosion, Marion Fire Chief Paul David said, according to the AP.
A hazardous materials crew contained the spill, and firefighters were rinsing off the skin of everyone who may have come into contact with the chemical, which can cause lung problems and can irritate the skin and eyes, the AP reported.
Production at the Marion Metal Center was suspended after the early afternoon incident, GM said, according to the AP.
"The situation is contained. Everybody has been evacuated," GM spokeswoman Stephanie Jentgen said in a telephone interview, the AP reported.
The plant's first shift was sent home and the second shift was canceled, according to the AP. The third shift was expected to work at its normal time, GM said.
"The safety of our employees is very important to us and an investigation of the incident is under way. Counselors have been deployed to the site and we will provide other employee services as needed," the statement said, the AP reported.
The plant stamps sheet metal into auto parts for a variety of GM vehicles including full-size pickup trucks made at nearby Fort Wayne, Indiana, and employs 1,600 people, according to the AP. An investigation of the incident is under way, GM said.
