Oxygen Tank Blast Injures Six Workers

Six workers were injured at a Fullerton factory Wednesday morning when a routine test caused a metal oxygen tank to explode, sending shrapnel across the test room and igniting a small fire, officials said.

The workers’ wounds were not life-threatening, said Sylvia Palmer Mudrick of the Fullerton Police Department. The blaze was quickly extinguished.

The factory, Adams Rite Aerospace, makes jet parts. The oxygen tank was part of a test on an aircraft water heater. About 9:30 a.m., the tank burst, and the oxygen-rich environment caused the fire, Mudrick said.

Workers fought the flames until fire crews arrived to put out the blaze, which was confined to the test room, Mudrick said.

Three of those hurt during the explosion were treated at the scene. The others were treated at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton for a broken arm, leg lacerations and ringing ears.

Investigators estimated damage to the test room and its equipment at about $15,000.