The side of the DarPro pet food facility caves in Friday in Paducah. Officials say preliminary assessment indicates a boiler exploded at the plant, causing the damage and injuring at least one person.
Sources with Kentucky State Police have reported an explosion this morning at Darling Ingredients Inc. at North 10th and Grover streets in Paducah.
Paducah city officials say preliminary reports indicate a boiler exploded on the premises, causing extensive damage to two sides of the building and injuring at least one in the blast. The worker, one of about a dozen employees in the plant at the time of the incident, suffered minor injuries according to a spokeswoman. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Additional injuries were not reported as of about 11 a.m.
Paducah police and fire have cordoned off the area surrounding the plant; agencies are requesting residents avoid the area. Those in the nearby region should also be mindful of the potential for debris.
A spokeswoman for the City of Paducah said the company would have to evaluate the structural integrity of the building to determine the extent of damage and subsequent action. No additional threat of explosion was expected, she said.
Darling Ingredients announced its intent to purchase the Paducah facility in 2015; the plant produces wet pet food products.
Additional details will be released as they become available.