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Fire crews responded to a furnace malfunction at a Radford industrial plant Wednesday night, but officials said no injuries were reported.

Radford dispatch communications officer C.O. Childers said the incident occurred at New River Castings in the 1700 block of West Main Street about 10 p.m.

Chief Lee Simpkins said one of the foundry's two furnaces melted through and several tons of molten iron spilled out. The iron, he said, ran into an overflow pit designed for that kind of accident.

"It's just one of the things that does happen at foundries," Simpkins said.

He said the situation was considered under control within 30 to 40 minutes. The foundry is now operating with only one furnace, and he said he expected a damage estimate would be available sometime today.

-- Neil Harvey