At Least 12 Injured In Texas Chemical Blast

FERRIS, Texas (AP) -- At least a dozen people were taken to hospitals and about 800 were evacuated Thursday after a fire and chemical explosion at downtown business in this small North Texas town, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

DPS spokesman Tom Vinger said the blast erupted at an aircraft parts refurbishing site and that the injured were being treated for chemical inhalation.

``What happened was there were employees on the plant grounds who were transporting chemicals,'' Vinger said. ``Two chemicals or multiple chemicals that mixed together, caused a fire and explosion. The fire has been put out.''

Aerial views of the facility showed emergency vehicles surrounding a business identified as C & G Manufacturing. The company polishes, repairs and refurbishes aircraft parts, Vinger said.

Hazardous materials teams were at the scene.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Department has shut down access to the area surrounding the plant.

Ferris has about 2,300 residents.