Apple on Friday said that explosions at two of its parts suppliers last year were caused by airborne aluminium dust created during the milling and polishing of products such as iMacs, MacBooks and iPads.

The company made the disclosure as part of its sixth annual “Supplier Responsibility Progress Report”, in which it also for the first time listed all of its major suppliers. The report covers issues such as worker safety, labour rights and environmental impact.

Explosions

The explosions took place at a Foxconn plant in Chengdu, China, in May and RiTeng Computer Accessory, subsidiary of Pegatron, in Shanghai in December. The Foxconn explosion killed four workers and injured 18, while the Pegatron incident injured between 59 and 61 workers.

One worker was treated at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, then released, following the chemical explosion Friday night at Stollberg Inc., a manufacturing plant in the Town of Niagara.

No other injuries were reported in the explosion that occurred at about 9:30 p. m. at the Witmer Road plant. Approximately 4,500 pounds of aluminum powder exploded in a railroad car at the scene, authorities said.

Residents living within about half a mile of the plant were advised to stay inside and keep their windows and doors closed overnight Friday.

Only minor damage was reported inside the plant. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- For the second time in two months, emergency crews were called to an explosion and fire at a Rubbertown chemical plant.
This one was at Eckart Aluminum on Campground Road.

Investigators are still searching for what sparked the fire at about 7 p.m. Monday.

Firefighters said 20 to 30 workers were in the plant when something caused aluminum powder to ignite and explode inside a building.

Two workers were hurt and rushed to University Hospital, but one was released hours later and the other sustained only minor injuries.

Emergency officials assessed the situation quickly and found there was never any threat to the surrounding community.

LOUISVILLE, KY.  (WDRB) -- An explosion and fire has left at least two people hurt at Eckart Aluminum in Rubbertown. 

It happened just after 7 p.m. Monday, emergency responders said.

The two workers were taken to University Hospital with injuries suffered from the concussion of the blast, officials at the scene said their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. There was no word Monday night of their names or conditions.

A city spokesman says there was no need for evacuations; air tests showed no danger.  The city did not sound any warning sirens.

The explosion apparently was sparked by aluminum dust or powder. Emergency responders said the fire was out as of 10 p.m.  Lake Dreamland firefighters left the scene shortly after, leaving plant workers to monitor the conditions.