KY, Chemical-plant blast injures seven in Meade One critically hurt in explosion, fire near Brandenburg By ENJOLI FRANCIS, The Courier-Journal

BRANDENBURG, Ky. -- An explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Meade County yesterday injured seven people, one critically.

The blast occurred at the nitrogen plant supplying Arch Chemical on Ky. 933 near Brandenburg, according to a statement from the plant and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. The plant said the incident happened about 3:30 p.m. EDT.

The injured were taken to local hospitals and two were flown to University of Louisville Hospital, said Ray Bowman, a spokesman for the Division of Emergency Management. One person suffered broken bones, according to a report from the chemical plant to emergency management officials.

Two men with severe burns were admitted to the U of L Hospital. One was in critical condition.

Hospital spokesman Ken Marshall said last night that he couldn't provide more information because the hospital is still trying to contact their relatives.

Four people were treated at Hardin Memorial Hospital and released, said supervisor Jerry Taylor. He identified them as Carl Sturgeon, Kay Bowman, Ross Storey and David Spalt. Taylor said their injuries were minor.

The plant statement said the facility was shut down and an investigation would begin immediately.

A spokesman for Arch Chemical told emergency management officials that no one in the area was evacuated.

Bowman said the state fire marshal and the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet had been notified, but it was not immediately known if they would conduct their own investigations.

http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2000/0006/22/000622chem.html

-- Doris (reaper1@mindspring.com), June 22, 2000