There has been a chemical explosion at Austin Powder, an explosives company in Sterling, and one employee has been transported to William W. Backus Hospital to be treated for chemical burns, according to dispatchers.
The company makes industrial explosives and accessories, provides blasting services and is a rock quarrying and mining operation, according to its Web site.
The company is located at 332 Ekonk Hill Road, near the Rhode Island border, and streets are being closed.
The state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection said there were reports of a yellow cloud reaction with no fires from the explosion. DEEP has sent a hazmat team.
Lt. Paul Vance said fire service has secured the area as a precaution.
It has between 20 and 49 employees, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor.
The state fire marshal is investigating.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
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