SARTELL, Minn. -- Authorities in central Minnesota say there has been an explosion and fire at the Verso paper mill in Sartell, and heavy black smoke was seen pouring out of the center of mill.
County emergency manager Jim McDermott said there have been some injuries but he said he could not verify the number or severity of injuries.
Jeanine Nistler, spokeswoman for the CentraCare Health Systems, confirmed that two people were being treated at St. Cloud Hospital, the St. Cloud Times reported.
A full shift had been working inside the mill when an air compressor exploded about noon, Verso spokesman Pat Gibney told the St. Cloud Times.
McDermott said the fire was in an area where wood products are located. Fire officials were not worried about chemicals, and the local neighborhood was not being evacuated, according to the St. Could Times.
According to KARE 11 TV in St. Paul, Minn., Dan McClure, who lives near the plant, was mowing his grass when he heard a sound that sounded like thunder. He said smoke was black and thick, but appeared to later thin out a bit.
Matt Dahl, another resident in the area, said there was one huge explosion that shook his whole house. He told Kare11 TV he ran outside and saw black smoke and flames shooting up into the sky.
The city of Sartell has nearly 16,000 residents. The mill in Sartell, established in 1905, produces lightweight coated papers for printing, according to the Verso website.
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