Cause of industrial-gas plant fire explored by federal investigators

ST. LOUIS -- Authorities on Saturday searched for what caused a chain of explosions at an industrial plant that sent huge fireballs shooting into the sky and forced neighbors to evacuate.

A team from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board was leading the probe, one day after the explosions at the Praxair Inc. facility where propane and other gases are processed for industrial use.

Flames rose more than 150 feet above the plant and the fire and smoke could be seen for several miles.

Hundreds of missile-shaped containers of propane and the highly flammable chemical acetylene exploded and dozens were propelled into surrounding neighborhoods, according to Steve Selk, who is heading the team investigating the incident.

Selk said the roughly 75-pound containers flew as far as 600 feet. At least a few hit homes, including one that put a 2-foot-diameter hole in a brick wall.

Others landed in gardens, on lawns and on homes' front steps.

Police said no one was injured at the plant or in the area.

Nearby homes and businesses were evacuated, and major traffic backups caused by the fire delayed the start of a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.

Police said the damage appeared to be limited to the facility and some nearby properties. Praxair officials said the company had not yet fully assessed the damage.