Two people were killed and at least one injured in a blast at a zinc smelting plant in western Pennsylvania, FoxNews.com reported.
The blast occurred at 4:30 p.m. local time in the city of Monaca at the plant owned by the Horsehead Corp, RIA Novosti reported.
Ali Alavi, a spokesman for the Horsehead Corp. said the explosion occurred at a refinery column that produces zinc oxide.
"My understanding was that there was no fire. There was an explosion, but no resulting fire," Alavai was quoted as saying.
Local emergencies services' director said the blast caused no risk to the public.
Alavi added that an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the explosion.