Eramet worker burned

Eramet Marietta officials are investigating an early morning incident at the plant that resulted in a minor explosion and a worker being burned.

Injured was Thomas McCabe, 51, of 105 Ninth St., Belpre. He was treated and released from an area hospital, according to Eramet officials.

"He was operating a fork lift and transporting hot metal outside to cool," according to Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks. "The outside of the metal was hard, but the inside was still molten. For some reason it cracked and caused an explosion. That explosion blew out the windshield of the fork lift, caught that piece of equipment on fire as well as a nearby piece of equipment."

Mincks said the man's injuries were minimized because of safety protocol in place.

"It appeared the protective equipment in place prevented more serious injury," he said.

Eramet spokeswoman Joy Frank-Collins said the 1:30 a.m. explosion was the result of the hot metal being dropped into a puddle of water.

"As it was being taken to the product yard it was dropped from the vehicle carrying it," she said. "That caused an explosion."

Frank-Collins said the company's safety team has begun an investigation.

"We just want to make certain that everyone understands that safety is our No. 1 priority at Eramet Marietta," she said.