Steam explosion kills man, injures others

Published: Thursday, July 12 2012 6:05 p.m. MDT

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One man operating the bronze kiln was killed from an explosion of steam at the Adonis Bronze company in Alpine Thursday, July 12, 2012. Three others were injured and are in stable condition at American Fork Hospital. The victim was man, 35-45 years old. A building was evacuated, including the art gallery where a wedding luncheon was going on.

Sam Penrod, Deseret News

Summary

A man was killed and three people were injured after an explosion Thursday at Adonis Bronze in Alpine, officials said.

ALPINE — A man was killed and three people were injured after an explosion Thursday at Adonis Bronze in Alpine, officials said.

Officials said Ricardo Flores, 41, of Pleasant Grove was working near a kiln when he was fatally injured by an explosion of steam at approximately 12:15. Three other individuals were transported to the hospital and are reportedly in stable condition.

"We did take three individuals to American Fork Hospital," Lone Peak Fire assistant chief Spencer Edwards said. "We believe that they had possible inhalation burns as they tried to help this individual out after the explosion."

Lone Peak Fire Chief Brad Freeman said two police officers were eating lunch nearby and were able to respond immediately. Dozens of individuals were evacuated from the building, including a group attending a wedding luncheon.

Freeman said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the incident and a medical examiner will determine the exact cause of death.

"It was either a mechanical error or human error," Freeman said.

Contributing: Sam Penrod

— Benjamin Wood

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