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Explosion at Ind. furniture plant injures 10

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January 9, 2009 05:19 PM EST | AP

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JASPER, Ind. — An explosion at a southern Indiana wood laminate plant Friday sent 10 workers to a hospital with injuries, collapsed walls and set dust on fire, authorities said.

The injuries were not considered life-threatening, and all 10 workers were released after treatment, said Rita Howell, a spokeswoman for Jasper Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center.

The explosion at the Indiana Laminate plant occurred when a board became stuck inside a machine, caused a spark and triggered the explosion, Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang said.

"We have several walls that have collapsed," Hochgesang said.

The explosion also caused a fire in a dust-collection system outside the plant, but it was extinguished in 40 minutes, Hochgesang said.

At least six of those hurt were working in the immediate area of the explosion, Hochgesang said. The plant employs about 60 people, but not all were believed to be there at the time.

The explosion occurred about 7:15 a.m. Workers built dikes to contain the water runoff to mitigate any environmental threats, Hochgesang said.

Officials of Indiana Furniture Industries, which owns the plant, did not immediately return messages.

Jasper is about 50 miles northeast of Evansville.