In a statement, U. S. Steel said the incident occurred at the facility’s hot strip mill, but did not provide any other details. However, local fire officials called the incident an “explosion.”    

“At this time, the scene is secure and all other employees have been accounted for. Operations at the hot strip mill remain down, but additional operations at Great Lakes Works have not been affected,” U. S. Steel said in a statement. 

“We do not anticipate any impact on customer shipments as we have additional hot strip mill capacity at other domestic U. S. Steel facilities, if needed.”  

U. S. Steel said that of the injured, five were taken to local hospitals, three of whom had been released by early Tuesday afternoon.

The other two remained hospitalized. A sixth person was treated at the plant’s on-site medical facility and released. 

“An investigation into the incident is underway, and we will work closely with the United Steelworkers and relevant government agencies throughout the process. We have also activated our employee assistance program to offer its services to the injured employees and their families, as well as the co-workers of those injured,” the company said.