As many as eight people were hurt when an explosion ripped through a powder plant on Tuesdaymorning.
The explosion occurred shortly before 10:30 a.m. in the production building of the Red DiamondPlant, owned by Austin Powder Co. The plant is located along Powder Plant Road in VintonCounty, 10TV News reported.
Video from Chopper 10 showed a gaping hole in the roof of one of the buildings. Insulation andother material were scattered along the ground near the structure.
10 INVESTIGATES: Other Incidents At Plant | SLIDESHOW: Chopper 10 Images Of Damage
"It wasn't a firecracker, I'll put it that way," said Ron Prater, who used to work at thecompany and lives nearby. "It was a large explosion."
Prater, who lives less than 1/4 mile away from the plant, said he felt the explosion.
"I've never been in an earthquake, but you could feel the vibrations," he said. "I can't say thedishes rattled, but it was quite a shake."
Three female employees were transported by medical helicopter to The Ohio State UniversityMedical Center in Columbus after the explosion.
One of the women, identified as Marletta Betts, was critically injured after suffering burns toover 90 percent of her body, 10TV's Maureen Kocot reported.
Five other people were treated at the scene.
Agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Division of State Fire Marshalwere called to investigate the explosion.
Agents said they would need to evaluate remaining explosives and the stability of the buildingbefore investigators entered the scene. That would not likely happen until Wednesday at theearliest, Kocot reported.
The company said the plant would be shut for at least two days while the investigation isconducted.
The company makes explosives and detonation chord for mining, 10 Investigates' Paul Akerreported.
The company was founded in 1833 and its headquarters are in Cleveland. It has severallocations, including those in Arkansas, Texas and Mexico.
According to the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there were 11 violationsreported at Austin Powder Co. in 2003. The violations were called "serious," Akerreported.
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