By
Associated Press / CBS News
.
Published: Sun, March 23, 2008 - 6:43 pm
Last Updated: Sun, March 23, 2008 - 8:07 pm
BOONEVILLE, Ark. - An explosion rocked the Cargill meat-packing plant in western Arkansas Sunday afternoon.The company says about 20 contractors and a few other employees were at the site at the time of the fire, but so far, no injuries have been reported other than minor smoke inhalation.
State officials say ammonia gas is leaking into the air from the flames, forcing about 180 people to evacuate their nearby homes and businesses. A nearby nursing home was also evacuated, and the local hospital evacuated many of its inpatients, but hasn't closed.
A witness says she saw injured people in the explosion this afternoon at the meat packing plant; however, officials have not confirmed them. A woman at a hotel near the plant describes the scene as "chaotic" with the whole plant ablaze. She says the hotel staff and police urged everyone to leave the area.
Enlarge Video 
Download Video
Video RSS
School Bus Drivers Victims Of Vandalism
Those who Recommended this also liked:
Email to a Friend 
Printer Friendly 
Recent Commented: News Reports
Luong’s Lawyers Ask Court…
Boxers Chained Up & Starving…
Drivers On I-10 Beware!
Clumsy Best Man Ruins Wedding…
Pharmacy Tech Busted For Stealing…
Palin Investigation Can Proceed…