Explosion at salvage plant closes highway

U.S. Highway 70 was closed to traffic in Lenoir County Wednesday afternoon while fire crews battled a fire at an auto salvage plant, authorities said.

At least five Lenoir County fire departments and another two from Wayne County were fighting the fire at Foss Auto Recycling, 7135 U.S. 70 West in La Grange, authorities said.

An explosion was heard at the plant immediately before the fire, authorities said.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

U.S. 70 was closed between the Falling Creek and Little Baltimore areas between La Grange and Kinston, authorities said. There was no word on when the highway would reopen.