Blast Debris Searched; 4 Feared Dead
Rescuers searched Thursday through the remains of a chemical plant for clues to the cause of two explosions that left four people missing and feared dead.
The blasts Wednesday at the Sierra Chemical Co., which makes explosives for mining, were felt for miles. Debris was scattered over a 2,000-yard radius.
Firefighters and hazardous materials experts have found no evidence of survivors or bodies. Six people were injured.
Family members and friends of the missing workers gathered near the site Thursday, hoping for word of their loved ones.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Towery said investigators planned to divide the area into grids and sift through the wreckage bit by bit.
Four of the people injured in the blast were treated at hospitals and released. Two remained hospitalized in satisfactory condition.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
