Two workers hurt in Sipi Metals furnace explosion

Sipi Metals on N. Elston

Two workers suffered burns from a foundry furnace explosion Wednesday in Sipi Metals, 1720 N. Elston Ave., at 12:15 p.m.

"They were doing what they do every day, but for some reason there was a reaction to some chemical," said Dep. Dist. Chief John Giordano at the scene. "It could have been something they were processing." 

The injured workers were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and were in serious to critical condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department at 1:05 p.m. 

The 1720 N. Elston door for Sipi Metals

In July 2010, there was another explosion recorded in OSHA records, according to CBS News. In that case, there appeared to be no injuries but the 100,000 square foot Sipi was fined $3,500. 

Sterling Bay appears to have a contract on this four-acre Sipi Metals parcel, but as with other parcels, it is not part of the Lincoln Yards planned development.

Photo resource Google Maps