KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Several explosions engulfed a chemical plant in flames Wednesday in an industrial section of Kansas City, forcing a broad evacuation as a towering cloud of black smoke rose over the skyline.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries at the Chem Central plant. Fire Chief Richard Dyer said officials were evacuating a one-square-mile area around the plant and were going door-to-door through several blocks to get people out.
Dan Brennan, an attorney for Bedford Park, Ill.-based Chem Central, said it was not immediately clear what caused the explosions at the plant, which has 15 to 20 workers.
"To the best of my knowledge there have been no injuries. Everyone was evacuated safely," Brennan said in a telephone interview. He said Chem Central distributes various chemicals and solvents.
The blast happened in the city's East Bottoms section.
