LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE)- Two men were hurt after an explosion in Rubbertown Monday night. It happened at Eckart Aluminum at 4101 Campground Road around 7 p.m.
Two men were taken to University Hospital. Late Monday night the plant's general manager Mark Westwell told us one of the men was released; the other is still in the hospital with minor injuries.
Fire crews left the scene around 10 after the fire was out. Lake Dreamland Assistant Chief Jody Meiman said the explosion was set off by a spark or static charge in a building containing aluminum powder. About 20-30 employees were inside at the time.
Crews at the scene told us this was a Level 1 HAZMAT so sirens did not sound. MetroSafe Director Doug Hamilton said air monitoring tests determined there was no need to evacuate residents or keep them inside.
"In that case we asked command if any need for that. The answer was 'no.' It involved aluminum powder and there was no risk to the community or plant workers," Hamilton said.
The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating to find out a more exact cause.
Westwell said Eckart will also perform an internal safety investigation.
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