2 Workers Injured in Tennessee Plant Fire Die

Two employees have died from injuries received in a fire at a Gallatin, Tenn. factory. That brings the total number of workers killed in accidents at the Hoeganaes Corp. plant this year to four.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokeswoman Jennifer Wetzel said Eric Hulsey died on Tuesday evening and Rick Lester died Wednesday morning. Co-worker Fred Tuttle remains in critical condition. Two others hurt on Friday had only minor injuries.

Gallatin Assistant Fire Chief Tommy Dale has said the fire was caused by a gas leak. Both the Tennessee Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the U.S. Chemical Safety Board are investigating.

The plant employs about 175 people making metal powders. A January accident killed two and a March accident injured one. Both were caused when flammable metal dust combusted.