PORTAGE, Ind. (AP) - A late-night explosion that shook Beta Steel Corp.'s northern Indiana hot-strip rolling mill injured eight workers, six of whom required medical care.

Portage Fire Chief Bill Lundy said Sunday that two of the six workers hospitalized after Saturday night's blast suffered the worst injuries. He did not know the names or conditions of the workers but said none of them had life-threatening injuries.

Their injuries ranged from burns to back injuries. Two of the workers shaken by the blast declined medical treatment.

Lundy says an explosion shook an electric arc furnace at the mill about 10:20 p.m. Saturday, blowing out the side of the furnace. Fire crews put out spot fires in a few minutes.

Beta Steel produces hot-rolled coil for steel service centers and tube and pipe manufacturers.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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