A thunderous eruption in a Geneva Steel blast furnace Wednesday night slightly injured three workers and startled nearby residents.

Water leaked into a trough of molten iron cast iron about 8:55 p.m., causing a loud boom and billowing steam, said Joe Walker, company spokesman."It was really a reaction more than an explosion. It's just hot and cold coming together," he said. The initial eruption was followed by a series of smaller ones.

One steelworker was transported to Orem Community Hospital with second-degree burns to the face and chest, Walker said. Two others were treated for minor injuries at the mill.

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