Minor explosion at Essar. No injuries (15 photos)

12:18 p.m. update

A reader reports that Transwest is the big slag dump between Bayview and Flakeboard off Base Line.

"Two shop is where the steel is made," said the reader. "It had nothing to do with it."

As the smoke clears SooToday.com will catch up on posting photos to our gallery.

Thank you to all our readers who submitted photos and information.

12:14 p.m. update

Brenda Stenta, Corporate Communications, Essar Steel Algoma, sent us the following note:

"At Essar Steel Algoma today at approximately 11 a.m. we experienced a minor explosion. We were dumping surplus iron and it came in contact with water causing a reaction. No one was injured and there is no impact to operations."

12:02 p.m. update

A text just came in from a reader saying hot metal was accidentally dumped on water at "trans west, 2 shop" and that the blast furnace at Essar Steel Algoma is fine.

If anyone can clarify what trans west, 2 shop is, SooToday.com would greatly appreciate it.

11:57 a.m. update

People in the Michigan Sault and as far east of Bayview as Boundary Road are reporting hearing the noise.

"I live on Bristol Place just off Boundary Road and I heard/felt the noise," reports one reader. "Didn't shake but rather 'rumbled' the house somewhat."

A resident on Pittsburg Avenue says it was most assuredly not a catastrophic event at the blastfurnace in Essar Steel Algoma.

"My house looks at it," said the reader.

11:43 a.m. update

A report from a person who called a friend working inside Essar Steel Algoma.

"They didn't even know about it," said the reader. "Smoke looked like it came from west of the steel plant."

11:32 a.m. update

Other reports this cloud of reddish smoke probably resulted from some issue with the iron-making process at Essar Steel Algoma and that it is comming from a stack at the mill in Bayview.

Reports about the source are contradictory.

People as far away as McNabb hill are reporting the sound was loud and alarming.

People closer to the mill (Farwell Terrace area) are saying it shook their whole house.

11:28 a.m. update

A reader reports that the sound may have come from the blast furnace but this information has yet to be confirmed.

Original story: 11:12 a.m.

Reports are pouring in about a loud explosion-like noise and cloud of reddish smoke pouring from the Bayview area.

The event occurred about 11 a.m.

SooToday.com is trying to determine the source of the noise.

If you have any certain information about the sound please text (705) 541-1446 with your information or photos.

You can also send your photos to [email protected].