5 Injured In Metals Plant Blast

A powerful explosion at a metals plant in Albany, Oregon, Tuesday night injured five people and was felt up to 20 miles away, reports CBS Affiliate KOIN-TV.

One of the injured was hospitalized in critical condition while the others were treated at local hospitals and released.

The blast at the Oremet-Wah Chang plant, located about 65 miles south of Portland, apparently struck a department where up to 30 employees work the night shift.

There was no release of any toxic materials reported.

Oremet-Wah Chang manufactures titanium, along with other high-quality production metals. Its parent company is Los Angeles-based Teledyne Inc.

The explosion occurred during the titanium melting process and was followed by a smaller explosion, said Fire Department spokeswoman Wanda Omdahl.