Temple, Texas – An explosion at an industrial site in Temple on Thursday morning left five workers with severe burns, authorities said. The incident occurred at the Delta Centrifugal facility located on Center Street, where crews were dispatched following reports of a structure fire caused by an explosion.
Upon arrival around 11:30 a.m., firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from a building situated at the rear of the property. A rapid response from Temple Fire and Rescue ensured all personnel were evacuated from the vicinity as efforts to quell the fire commenced.
Despite the ferocity of the blaze, the fire was swiftly brought under control. Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion originated from an induction furnace, which contained approximately 10,000 pounds of molten metal heated to a temperature of 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit.
The injured employees were promptly attended to by emergency medical teams. Although their injuries are serious, they are currently not considered life-threatening. In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, fire department spokespersons reassured the public that the situation was contained and there was no ongoing risk to the community.
As a safety precaution, local authorities have temporarily closed Center Street, advising residents and commuters to steer clear of the area to facilitate emergency operations and the subsequent investigation. This road closure is expected to impact local traffic patterns significantly, and officials are urging the public to seek alternative routes.
Investigative teams are still on the scene to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion. Speculation revolves around the operations of the induction furnace as a potential source of the blast, but conclusive details remain undetermined pending further analysis.
In response to the accident, spokespeople from Delta Centrifugal expressed their commitment to fully cooperating with fire safety officials and law enforcement to uncover the specifics of the incident and prevent future occurrences. The company has also pledged to support the affected workers and their families during this challenging time.
This incident has heightened awareness of safety protocols within industrial operations in the area, prompting local businesses to review their own procedures to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Community leaders and residents have shown an outpouring of support for the injured workers and their families, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the Temple community in times of crisis. The focus remains on recovery and thorough investigation to ensure such tragic incidents are avoided in the future.