4 injured in electrical incident at Dairy Farmers of America facility in Pennsylvania
Four people were injured in an electrical incident at a dairy facility in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, according to the Dairy Farmers of America.
An "incident involving an electrical arc flash" occurred at a Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) facility in New Wilmington, the cooperative said.
Two individuals were transported to the hospital, one via helicopter and another by ambulance, the DFA said. Two others were treated for minor injuries at the scene, it said.
The facility was evacuated and the "situation has been contained," the DFA said.
The incident remains under investigation.
"Our thoughts are with the individuals and their families," the DFA said in a statement. "At DFA, we take safety very seriously."
"We will continue to work with appropriate local emergency personnel and outside experts as we continue efforts to safely resume operations at the plant," the statement continued.
An electrical arc flash is a type of electrical explosion, in which temperatures can exceed 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The dairy facility injuries come after a deadly industrial incident at a paper mill in Washington state. At least two employees died and seven others were injured after a chemical tank ruptured on Tuesday, authorities said. Nine employees remained missing following the rupture of the tank containing white liquor, a chemical mixture used in the paper-making process, authorities said.
A failing chemical tank at an aerospace facility in Southern California also sparked fears of a catastrophic explosion in recent days, before all evacuations were lifted Tuesday once officials determined there was no threat of an explosion, fire or chemical leak. No injuries have been reported in that incident.
