Food Processing Plant Explosion Injures Six

A boiler exploded at the Shearer's Foods plant in eastern Oregon, engulfing the building in flames and injuring at least six people Tuesday.

It was believed that a natural gas boiler caused the explosion at the plant, which is a major supplier of potato and corn chips.

Medical, fire, and law enforcement units responded. Nick Oatley, spokesperson for the fire district, reported the explosion and ensuing fire fully engulfed one building. Nearby homes and hotels were evacuated.

According to Hermiston City Manager Byron Smith, the plant employs about 400 people.