Federal safety inspectors are investigating an explosion and fire at a southeast Kansas chemical plant that injured one employee.
The explosion occurred about 7 a.m. Tuesday at the Airosol, Inc., plant in Neodesha, a town of about 2,500 residents. It was still not contained early Tuesday afternoon.
A 57-year-old male employee was taken to a hospital with burns. Cassandra Edson, spokeswoman for Wilson County Emergency Management, says his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it has begun an investigation.
Several blocks around the plant were evacuated and the town's schools closed for the day. Residents also were asked not to drink city water.
The plant, about 100 miles southeast of Wichita, manufactures and packages aerosol, liquid and other specialty chemicals.