Explosion rocks chemical plant

Sharon

* * * * * * * * *
Staff member
PREMO Member
There have been explosions in Conway at Detco Industries in the Industrial Park area in Conway.

Two people were evaluated at Conway Regional Medical Center before being air-lifted to Arkansas Childrens Hospital and Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. Three others were air-lifted directly from the scene. Lori Ross, a spokesperson for Conway Regional says that there are many "walking wounded" being treated for injuries as well.

Detco is a manufacturing plant that produces liquid products, powders and packages its own line of aerosol products and other industrial chemicals.

Conway police Lieutenant Chip Stokes says about a dozen businesses are in the same industrial park as Decto and they are being evacuated along with nearby residents.

Several areas of Conway around the explosion have been evacuated. State Police have shut down exit 129 off I-40 in Conway. Ellen Smith Elementary is being evacuated to CHS auditorium, students at the Adult Education Center are being evacuated to Sally Cone Elementary an AmTran is being evacuated. Also, Conway Christian Elementary and High School are being evacuated and parents are asked to pick up their children.

Black smoke rising from the site could be seen as far away as Little Rock, 30 miles away. The plume was being carried southward on a light north wind.

0416183030_conway_explosion-downtown.jpg
 
Top