Kansas City Chemical Plant Explodes

Several explosions engulfed a chemical plant in flames Wednesday, forcing a broad evacuation as the fire spread to nearby houses and spewed a toxic, sticky substance that residents were warned not to touch.

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There were no immediate reports of injuries, but Kansas City police were busy driving up and down nearby streets warning that more explosions were expected at the Chemcentral Corp. facility, which stores and distributes various chemicals and solvents.

Fire Chief Richard Dyer said officials were evacuating a one-square-mile area around the plant and were going door-to-door through several blocks to get people out.

Fire officials also told residents throughout the city to avoid picking up debris carried by the dark cloud that streamed out of downtown, saying the material was highly toxic. The cloud appeared to be dropping a sticky substance as it moved to the southwest over the metropolitan area.