As many as 15 people have been hurt, two seriously, in a major explosion at a New Hampshire ball bearing manufacturing plant.
According to WMUR TV Channel 9, the explosion happened at about 3:30 on Monday afternoon at the New Hampshire Ball Bearing plant in Peterborough, in the southwest corner of the state.
Although details are sketchy, it is believed none of the injuries were life threatening, according to news report.
As many as 100 firefighters from a dozen surrounding towns have been summoned to the scene to help out, according to the television station which also reported there are no flames or smoke visible from the building.
Neighboring businesses said their buildings and windows shook when the blast occurred. One witness reported hearing two blasts.
Peterborough police told the television station the incident occurred on the first floor of the facility and windows were blown out as a result.
Local hospitals were notified to be prepared for hazmat patients and at least eight ambulances were summoned to the scene. Two of the patients were flown from the scene. Chemicals are used in the building, but it was not immediately known what kinds, the television station reported.
Founded in 1946, New Hampshire Ball Bearing makes products for the aerospace and defense industries as well as for dental tools. It has three plants across the country.
Firehouse.com will provide additional news as it becomes available.
