UPDATE | Furnace explosion at Vallourec won't impact orders

YOUNGSTOWN — Vallourec Steel says an explosion at the plant Wednesday evening does not affect any pending orders.

A statement by the company also said although operations at the plant are shut down for a few days, that stoppage was already planned because of the upcoming Easter holiday.

City fire crews were called about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday after an explosion at the plant caused by an electrical failure in a furnace that caused a fire and explosion. The statement said hot steel came into contact with water. No one was injured.

The fires were out by the time city fire crews arrived. They stayed on the scene for about 30 minutes before leaving.

The statement said Vallourec continues assessing the damage done to the furnace.

7:15 a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — Fire officials say no one was injured after a furnace exploded about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Vallourec Steel.

A fire department spokesman said there was also a small fire but that was extinguished before crews arrived.

Crews were on the scene for about 30 minutes, the spokesman said.

A damage estimate is not yet available.