An explosion at a La Habra industrial complex sent 11 employees to the hospital, some of whom were severely burned. The polishing company where the blast occurred has faced labor code violations in the past. Vikki Vargas reports from La Habra for the NBC4 News at 5 on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.
Eleven workers were hurt, two critically, on Tuesday after an explosion and fire at a metal-polishing company in northwestern Orange County.
Many of the victims suffered facial and forearm burns in the 9:49 a.m. explosion at Gorilla's Polishing Corp. at 531 E. Commercial Way in La Habra (map), according to Greg Siggins of Cal/OSHA, the state agency investigating the blast.
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Fire officials told NBC4 that the blast was likely not caused by any chemicals used at the business, but possibly from a build-up of lint or dust in ducts in the building.
The business was evacuated and nearby roads were closed for the fire investigation.
The company’s owner said all 32 employees inside at the time of the blast were accounted for.
The initial report was received from occupants of a nearby building.
