On June 28, Canadian steelmaker Steel Algoma, a wholly owned subsidiary of India-based Essar Group, announced that an explosion occurred due to a slag pit blast at its Sault Ste. Marie facility on the night of June 27.
Steel Algoma stated that the explosion occurred when hot slag came into contact with standing water. The explosion took place in the area of the No. 7 blast furnace. Additional firefighters were sent to the area, while Essar Steel Algoma Emergency Services personnel also helped to extinguish the fire.
Both firefighters and Steel Algoma officials announced that no one was injured in the incident.
"The furnace is fine and it has been operating fine and there is no damage there," said Brenda Stenta, manager of corporate communications, adding that production ceased for "several hours" for damage assessment.
The company is investigating the causes of the explosion and what steps to take to prevent such events.