A 1-tonne capacity electric induction furnace exploded inside a steel foundry without causing any casualties. The production loss was estimated at 400,000 francs per week of plant downtime. Water spraying onto the molten metal subsequent to heavy wear of the refractory material (despite having been inspected just a few hours prior), combined with the perforation of copper cooling tubes due to melting, were responsible for this accident. An independent body was contracted to investigate.