Brownback issues disaster declaration after chemical plant blast

NEODESHA -- Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has issued a disaster declaration after an explosion at a southeast Kansas chemical plant injured at least one person.

The declaration announced Wednesday allows the National Guard to help respond to Tuesday’s explosion at the Airosol Inc. plant in Neodesha, a town of 2,500 in Wilson County.

The effort includes providing bottled water to residents. Public water systems have been urged to close water intakes on the Verdigris River downstream from the plant to prevent contamination from substances used in the firefight.

Several blocks around the plant were evacuated and the town’s schools closed for the day. Residents also were asked not to drink city water.

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article116860858.html