2 Hurt During Thursday Explosion At An Auto Shop In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — Authorities are investigating a Thursday morning explosion at a Manchester automotive shop.

The incident took place at 9:50 a.m. at Sandman's Auto and Fabrication at 122 Hilliard St.

According to officials at the Eighth Utilities District, two staff members were using a plasma cutting device on a metal tank. The flame from the torch interacted with some "residue," which then caused an explosion and flash fire, authorities said.

Both were taken to an area hospital with undisclosed injuries.

Eighth District officials said the incident did not inflict any structural damage to the building.

Because the incident involved a workplace injury, inspectors from the federal Occupational Safety and Heath Administration joined the local fire marshal with the investigation, officials said.