SPRINGVILLE, Utah (AP) — A worker was in critical but stable condition Monday, a day after an industrial explosion that was heard for miles left a factory looking like a ''war zone,'' authorities said.
Eleven workers were injured at Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Co., which makes pipes as large as 30 inches in diameter.
''Once you get inside, it looks like a war zone,'' Utah County sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon told KSL-TV. ''Extensive, extensive damage. ... Well into the seven figures.''
The explosion occurred on the casting floor Sunday night after a frozen pipe leaked water onto calcium carbide, general manager John Balian said.
''We have notified all federal, state and local agencies of the incident and will continue to provide these reporting agencies with updates and answer all questions they might have,'' he said in a statement Monday.
The factory is closed indefinitely, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.
''We are cooperating fully with the proper authorities,'' Balian said.
Two of the 11 injured workers were taken to University of Utah Hospital. One was expected to be released while the other, Tim Beardall, was in critical but stable condition with second-degree burns.
''Just pray for him. ... He doesn't talk. He's not opening his eyes,'' wife LaDonna Beardall told reporters at the hospital.
The other injured employees were treated near the factory and released.
The explosion was loud enough to be heard at the Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork, more than 4 miles from the plant, Cannon said.
