AN explosion at an aluminium smelting furnace left a Widnes man injured last week.
The 40-year-old worker was loading metal into the furnace when a blast ripped through M&J Burns of Ditton Road in the early hours of Thursday morning.
He was taken to Whiston Hospital with flash burns to his face and eyes but released later in the day.
Mike Burns, manager of M&J Burns, said: "The worker was loading the furnace when a small explosion blew him back. It blew dust in his eyes and scratched his face. He was taken to hospital but thank God, it was nothing serious. He is expected back in work on Monday."
Mr Burns said it was the first accident on this particular furnace.
"We do not yet know the cause. We are still investigating with health and safety."
Ten people are employed at the smelting plant which has three furnaces and has been in operation for 18 years.
The Health & Safety Executive this week confirmed they are carrying out an investigation.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article