Workers injured in explosion at Metso rubber plant in Mexico

Helsinki – Metso has reported a 'steam explosion' at its rubber plant in Irapuato, Mexico resulting in a number of ‘non-critical’ injuries at the site.

The incident, it said happened in the 'hand lining' area of the plant during the evening of 12 March, injuring 10 people and damaging property.

The Finnish group is co-operating with the local authorities to investigate the cause of the explosion, said its 13 March statement.

“Our primary focus at this moment is to ensure the well-being of our employees and to support all efforts to recover from this accident,” said Heikki Metsala, president of Metso’s consumables business area.

“We are assessing the potential impact on customer deliveries and will contact our customers accordingly as needed,” he added.

Among other products, the Mexican plant manufactures rubber parts for materials-handling applications, particularly in the mining industry.