No one hurt in Dunn chemical plant explosion

No one was injured in the 11:30 a.m. explosion at Brainerd Chemical, at 1600 S. Wilson Ave.

Bradley Kinlaw, deputy director of Harnett County Emergency Services, said sodium chloride and sulfuric acid somehow became mixed in the plant, creating a small could of gas that was quickly contained.

Forty to 50 firefighters and hazmat teams responded to the plant and were able to keep any toxic fumes from getting to a nearby neighborhood.

"Had the plume gotten out and got into the neighborhoods, there could have been potential risks," Kinlaw said. "We were ready and set to make some evacuations happen. Thankfully, we were able to mitigate that plume and get it decreased in size."

President Neil Morgan said the incident was contained to the company's warehouse, and operations were expected to resume by the end of the day.

"As always, safety is our top concern," Morgan said in a statement. "While we make every effort to avoid incidents like this, our safety and contingency plans worked as expected to prevent injuries and allow quick recovery. We are glad nobody was injured, and we thank all local agencies for their assistance."

LaRonda Abney, whose son works at Brainerd, said she rushed to the plant after receiving a text about the explosion.

"I was just worried and concerned, and I wanted to make sure that my son was safe," Abney said, noting that her son had to receive oxygen but was otherwise fine.

Kinlaw said there was minor damage to a wall and the roof near where the explosion occurred.