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Four injured in Illinois ammunition factory explosion

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October 19, 2004

Alton, Illinois-- Four workers were injured in a small explosion at Hanley Industries. Hanley Industries produces ammunition for the U.S. military.

According to a company press release, an automatic loading machine at Hanley Industries at 3640 Seminary Road "ignited during operations" at 7:39 a.m.

Four people working around the machine were injured by "flying plastic parts" and taken to Alton Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to the Fosterburg Fire Department, which responded to the accident.

"The fire was extinguished with dry-chemical (extinguishers) before we arrived," Fosterburg firefighter Mark Webster said.

A hazardous-material team was not needed, Webster said.

Hanley Industries officials declined to comment, referring to their press release. The injured workers suffered mostly nicks and scrapes, according to the release, and none was life-threatening. Production has resumed, and the company will conduct an internal investigation.

Cynthia Wagner, assistant area director for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said the agency had not yet determined whether an investigation is warranted. OSHA investigations are required when three or more people are hospitalized, she said, but optional in cases of minor injuries.