Fire companies from two counties are on scene of a two alarm commercial structure fire and explosion at the Hart Metals plant in Tamaqua. The incident occurred just after 9 p.m. involving eight employees of which one is reported injured. Route 209 in closed to traffic. The extent of the injuries to the victim are unknown.

A fire involving magnesium is burning within the tank that exploded. Firefighters are hoping the fire will burn itself out. No water can be used on the fire.

Hart Metals is a manufacturer and supplier of magnesium powders for U.S. Military and other commercial applications. The company already has two production-scale inert-gas atomizers for the manufacture of pure magnesium powders. Hart Metals operates as Magnesium Elektron Powders and is part of the Luxfer Group.