Worker hurt in explosion at Kansas chemical plant

NEODESHA, Kan. — Firefighters are working to contain a fire at a southeast Kansas chemical plant after an explosion there injured one employee.

The explosion occurred about 7 a.m. Nov. 22 at the Airosol, Inc., plant in Neodesha. Cassandra Edson, spokeswoman for Wilson County Emergency Management, says one employee was taken to a Wichita hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Several blocks around the plant have been evacuated and the town’s schools are closed for the day. Residents also have been asked not to drink the water until further notice.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

The plant manufactures and packages aerosol, liquid and other specialty chemicals for industries.

Neodesha, a town of nearly 2,500 residents, is about 100 miles southeast of Wichita.