BUTLER TWP — A furnace explosion at the AK Steel Butler Works early Wednesday afternoon that injured two workers is being investigated by the company and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

One worker suffered burns to his face and other parts of his body and was flown by medical helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment, according to Lisa Jester, AK’s corporate manager of communications and public relations.

This worker’s injuries are not life-threatening, Jester said.

Another worker had minor injuries and was treated on site, she said.

The explosion occurred because of a reaction in a furnace at the company’s melt shop, but the cause is being investigated by the company, Jester said.

Chris Robinson, area director at OSHA’s regional office in Pittsburgh, said a compliance officer/safety specialist was at the Butler plant this morning as part of the investigation.

“It’s difficult to say how long it may take but by law we have six months to complete an investigation,” Robinson said.

If OSHA finds any violations, the agency can issue citations, which carry monetary penalties.

Jim Panei, president of United Auto Workers of America Local 3303, which represents production and maintenance employees at the company’s Butler Works, declined to comment this morning.