Two injured in factory explosion

Feb 13 2006 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

TWO men suffered burns when an explosion ripped through a factory in the Black Country,

Firefighters and paramedics were called to Mazak Limited, in Willenhall Lane, Bloxwich, Walsall, just after noon on Saturday.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said there was an explosion in a concrete blending machine and the two men were showered with particles of zinc dust. The men suffered burns to their faces and were taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Steve Parry said that there had been an explosion at the factory.

"It appears there was some sort of an industrial accident and we gather a forklift truck may have been involved in some way.

"Two workers at the factory suffered burns to their faces and we took them to Walsall Manor Hospital. The injuries were not life threatening and it seems the men suffered flash burns," he added.

Firefighters made sure the scene was safe and an investigation has been luanhced into the cause of the accident.

The fire service spokesman said that dry powder extinguishers were used to tackle the blaze which followed the blast.

No-one was available for comment today at Mazak Limited, which manufactures zinc alloys.