Postville explosion: Three people were injured in an explosion at a Postville, Iowa, manufacturing plant. One of the victims was described as critically wounded, according to reports.
The explosion caused a fire at the Industrial Laminates/Norplex Inc, reported WCFCourier.com. Postville Fire Chief Jeffrey J. Bohr said that officials were notified of the incident at around 1:20 a.m. on Monday.
One employee was airlifted to a nearby hospital with critical injuries, including burns.
“We are waiting for further updates” of the seriously injured employee, said plant manager Alan Johnson. “Our prayers are with our employees and their families.”
The explosion caused the plant’s sprinkler system to go off, which helped prevent the fire from spreading, according to the Des Moines Register.
The damage caused by the fire is expected to cost between $5 and $7 million.
A state fire investigator is slated to visit the plant to determine the cause of the fire, reported KCRG-TV.
