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Tesla factory workers hurt by ‘hot metal’ from malfunctioning machine

A file photo shows a Tesla Model S outside Tesla's factory in Fremont, Calif., where the company said three workers were hurt as a result of an equipment malfunction.
(Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)
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At least three workers at a Tesla Motors car factory in Fremont were hurt Wednesday by “hot metal” from malfunctioning equipment.

The incident, which occurred shortly after noon, did not involve a fire or explosion, Fremont Fire Department spokesman Dan Cardenas told a local NBC affiliate.

The incident involved “pressurized equipment that they use at the plant,” he said.

In a statement, Tesla said “a failure in a low pressure aluminum casting press” caused the accident and that three employees “were injured by hot metal from that press,” according to KGO-TV.

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“We are making sure that they receive the best possible care,” Tesla said.

The facility, which can be seen from Interstate 880, designs, manufactures and sells the high-priced electric cars.

The exact nature of the injuries suffered by the workers was not immediately available.

It was the latest incident to put the electric carmaker in the headlines. Tesla recently confirmed the third fire in five weeks in the company’s Model S hatchback, which sells for more than $70,000.

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jason.wells@latimes.com

Twitter: @jasonbretwells | Facebook | Google+

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