Explosion Sets Off Fire at Alcoa Metals Plant
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A explosion shook a metal-processing plant in Carson Thursday, setting off a small fire and prompting officials to close the immediate area to traffic, officials said.
No one was reported hurt in the explosion, which occurred about 3:45 p.m. at the Alcoa Metals plant in the 16800 block of South Broadway.
Sheriff’s Lt. Paul Harman said the explosion sent golf-ball-sized pieces of magnesium flying.
County Fire Department spokesman Randy Duarte said 20 firefighters smothered the flames in a matter of minutes.
Harman said the explosion occurred when some magnesium cooling in a mold came in contact with water.
The plant was evacuated after county hazardous materials experts responding to the explosion detected radioactivity, Deputy Dean Scoville said. By 6:30 p.m., experts determined the level of radioactivity was not at a level dangerous to humans.
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