Torch malfunctions, injures worker at South-Central El Paso recycling plant

One man was sent to the hospital Monday morning after an incident at the W Silver Recycling Plant in South-Central El Paso/

An El Paso Fire Department spokesman told ABC-7 that a metal-cutting torch malfunctioned, causing second-degree burns on one worker. There were originally reports that the incident was an explosion but that turned out not to be true.

ABC-7’s crew on the scene saw one man taken by ambulance to University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Fire crews received the call around 8:30 a.m. and soon after cleared the scene.

The plant was able to resume operations before 9 a.m.

The fire department is not investigating the incident since it wasn’t fire-related.

ABC-7 called the El Paso office for Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) to see if they are investigating. ABC-7 was told OSHA is gathering information but haven’t started an investigation.

W Silver Recycling has operated in El Paso for 100 years and has plans to expand into New Mexico.

Read more about W Silver Recycling’s expansion plans in this 2013 El Paso Inc. article.