Fire and explosion reported at Missouri propane plant

MARSHFIELD, Mo. (AP) – A fire and explosion at a southwest Missouri propane plant sent thousands of small propane tanks flying into the air and rattled nearby businesses and homes.

Officials say only one person was sent to a hospital after the explosion Thursday at the Kosan Crisplant plant in Marshfield.

Three employees inside the plant escaped and some surrounding neighborhoods were evacuated. Michael Taylor, fire chief for the Marshfield Protection District, said firefighters initially had to stay back because the fire was close to a 33,000 gallon gas tank.

The blaze was under control after about three hours. Marshfield and state fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire.