Solutia explosion in Anniston injures 3

ANNISTON (AP) — A morning flash fire at the Solutia plant in Anniston seriously injured three employees who were reportedly replacing a piece of equipment on a manufacturing unit used to make Therminol, an industrial heating fluid.

Two remained hospitalized Tuesday in Birmingham and the third was released.

Solutia spokesman Dan Jenkins said the unit was shut down after Monday's explosion that occurred at 9:45 a.m. Jenkins said the injuries were primarily burns.

All three were transported to Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston. Two were later transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham burn center, where Jenkins said they were showing signs of improvement.

The employee who remained in Anniston was released from the hospital Tuesday.

The names of the employees were not released.

"We're trying to be as conscientious as possible to the families," he said.

Jenkins said the cause of the fire was being investigated by the company. Solutia also notified the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

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