The search for a Bayer CropScience worker officials say is missing following an explosion at the Institute plant could begin as early as today.



Emergency crews were unable to conduct the search for the unidentified worker late last night as firefighters battled a blaze in a section of the plant where waste products are treated prior to disposal.

The explosion occurred about 10:25 last night.

Bayer spokesman Mike Wey says one worker suffered burns and was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital. The other six workers on the unit were not harmed.

The force of the explosion could be felt miles away and sent a fireball hundreds of feet into the air.

As a precaution, officials closed Interstate 64, U.S. 60 and state Route 25 near the plant for several hours.

Also residents in several communities were urged to stay indoors.

The highways were reopened and the shelter-in-place orders were lifted early this morning.

Wey says investigators will work to determine the cause of the explosion once its safe to enter the unit.

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