SARAJEVO, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Three workers were injured after a gas explosion triggered a fire at the largest steel production complex in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), local authorities said on Friday.
The explosion occurred late afternoon on Thursday during the transfer of liquid oxygen from a tank operated by industrial gas supplier Messer, according to the steelworks Nova Zeljezara Zenica.
Police in central BiH's Zenica-Doboj Canton said one of the injured people suffered serious burns and was transferred to the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo for treatment.
The fire was brought under control shortly after the explosion. Firefighters, police and emergency medical teams responded immediately to the incident.
Police said an on-site investigation, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed due to the risk of another explosion. Investigators conducted the investigation on Friday with the participation of fire safety inspectors, occupational safety inspectors and a mechanical engineering expert.
The prosecutor has ordered a technical examination to determine the cause of the explosion. Police said further investigative measures are underway to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Founded in the late 19th century, the Zenica steelworks is BiH's largest steel production site and one of the country's most important industrial employers. ■