Explosion at Ultratec Factory Kills Two

An explosion occurred on February 6 at the Ultratec pyro effects factory near Huntsville, Alabama, leaving two workers dead and four injured.

According to the website AL.com, the explosion "occurred during a mixing process during the manufacture of fireworks." The site adds that there was no environmental damage. The site adds, "Marie Sanderson, of Union Grove, died at the scene, according to Sgt. Brian Chaffin with the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Aimee Cothran, of Huntsville, died at Huntsville Hospital, Chaffin said."

A statement issued by Ultratec reads, "Earlier today we experienced a serious incident at our facility in Huntsville in which two of our team members lost their lives and several more were injured. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to those individuals and their families. Safety is our first priority. Ultratec is committed to investigating the incident and will assist local, state, and federal officials in determining its cause. Our immediate focus is assisting the employees and their families whose loved ones were lost or injured today. Further information about the incident and its cause will be communicated when available and appropriate."