Plane Damaged In Louisiana Airport Blast

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) -- A small plane was badly damaged in what a witness said was an explosion Tuesday morning at Lafayette Regional Airport.

There were no reports of serious injuries, although one man, who had been seen walking around the plane, was taken away in an ambulance.

The badly damaged plane was visible outside Paul Fournet Air Service.

Todd Patin of nearby Dallas Airmotive, said he was working in his shop when he heard an explosion that reminded him of a balloon popping.

``It almost knocked me down,'' Patin said. ``I felt the ground moving beneath me.''

Patin said no flames were visible when he went outside to find the damaged plane.

Lafayette police, state police, sheriff's deputies and firefighters answered the call.