UPDATE at 2:30 p.m. - From The Associated Press - Federal investigators are gathering information one day after an explosion killed an Alabama man and injured three others at copper tubing plant in northeast Mississippi.

A spokesman for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said his agency had sent officials to investigate the blast. UPDATE at 11:42 a.m.: “It appears a maintenance accident on July 29 initiated a fire at Mueller Industries’ copper tube mill in Fulton, Mississippi resulting in one fatality and three other injuries. Production has been suspended while we work with the appropriate authorities to investigate the cause of the accident and to assess damage to our building and equipment

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to our employees and their families.”

- Above is a statement from John Hanson, President of Manufacturing Operations.

UPDATE at 10:30 a.m.: Itawamba County Sheriff Chris Dickinson told the Itawamba County Times this morning there was nothing new to report yet. We're hearing Mueller will be releasing a company statement sometime today. More as it becomes available.

FULTON – An explosion at the Mueller Copper Tube plant in Fulton Wednesday afternoon resulted in the death of one and injury of three employees.

According to Itawamba County Coroner Steven McNeese, plant employee Phillip Cason Hosch, 29, of Sulligent, Ala., was pronounced dead on arrival following a large explosion. McNeese said Hosch’s autopsy will be performed in Jackson today.

The explosion was reported by eyewitnesses to be a sudden flash with a loud bang. Fulton Fire Chief Freddie Brown said the explosion knocked the first victim back 15 to 20 feet, likely killing him instantly.

Two more employees were injured during the blast, one of which, Joel Robinson, was hospitalized with severe burns on the back of his legs and arms. The third victim, who authorities have not identified, suffered numerous lacerations and bruises. Brown said both men are expected to survive their injuries.

The explosion reportedly occurred around 4 p.m. while the three victims were working on a piece of equipment. According to Brown, the cause of the explosion is still unknown, stating that Mueller officials claimed there were no explosive chemicals or flammable materials near where the men were working.

The plant was evacuated after the blast, and a Hazmat team was brought in to decontaminate people who might have had chemicals on them. The fire was extinguished by 5 p.m.

Mueller Copper Tube is the oldest and largest of four plants in the complex, which also contains Mueller Casting, Mueller Copper Fittings and Mueller Custom Pack

Contact Adam Armour at (662) 862-3141, adam.armour@itawamba360.com or visit his blog at itawamba360.com.

Click here for former Monroe Countian reportedly in Fulton plant explosion at Monroe360.com.