Two injured in South Milwaukee foundry explosion

An explosion at a South Milwaukee foundry left two injured early this morning, South Milwaukee fire officials say.

The two injured employees at the Appleton Electric foundry were transported to a hospital and the status of their injuries is unknown, said Fire Captain James Dorangrichia.

Appleton Electric officials evacuated the plant, located near 5th St. and Milwaukee Ave, prior to the Fire Department's arrival and later, homes on Michigan Ave. were also evacuated, Dorangrichia said.

Twelve other departments were called to the scene, and shortly before 3 a.m. the fire had been contained to a small area in one of the plant's multiple buildings, Dorangrichia said.

"Foundry fires are extremely dangerous," Dorangrichia said. "If you put water in the wrong place, you can cause a significant explosion."

The cause of the fire is unknown, but Dorangrichia said it started during one of the company's routine processes.