Blast at Rio Tinto plant in Quebec hurts four

SOREL-TRACEY, Que.—Four people were taken to hospital Thursday morning after an explosion at the Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium plant in Sorel-Tracy, Que.

The extent of the injuries are not known, although they are not believed to be life-threatening.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the explosion at about 4:30 a.m. ET at the metallurgical complex northeast of Montreal.

The facility was evacuated but it was unclear whether all personnel were required to leave.

Rio Tinto is one of the world’s leading metals and mining firms with about 50,000 workers in some 35 countries.