Explosion at Missouri ammo plant leaves 1 dead, 4 injured

[SZonian]

An explosion at an ammunition plant in Independence, Missouri, on Tuesday afternoon resulted in the death of an employee.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant just outside of Kansas City, according to the Army Times.

The deceased victim was identified as Lawrence Bass, 55, of Blue Springs, Missouri. He had worked at the plant for 36 years. Four others were injured in the explosion. They were treated at the scene and all four declined further medical treatment.

According to the U.S. Army, the plant manufactures small caliber munitions for the military – to the tune of 1 billion rounds of ammunition annually – conducts contract oversight, and operates a NATO test center. Following the explosion, the entire plant was shut down and all 1,800 employees sent home with instructions to call before returning to work.

[excerpted]
http://www.guns.com/2017/04/13/explosion-at-missouri-ammo-plant-leaves-1-dead-4-injured/

[mountaineer]

More at KMBC:

1 killed, 4 hurt in detonation at Lake City Ammunition Plant in Independence
The explosion happened in a primer mixing cell.
KMBC  |  Updated: 2:52 PM CDT Apr 12, 2017


INDEPENDENCE, Mo, — One person has been killed and four others injured following a detonation at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence.

The incident happened about 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials with the Army Joint Munitions Command said the explosion happened in a primer mixing cell.

Lake City produces small-caliber munitions and operates the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) test center.

Officials said Lake City has 1,800 government and contracted employees.

“Making ammunition is dangerous work," said Lieutenant Colonel Eric B. Dennis - the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant Commander.

"Our employees risk their lives to protect our men and women in uniform. This is a sacrifice they make to support our country, and I am humbled by the ultimate sacrifice this employee made today."

A representative with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 778, say the man who died was a 36-year veteran of the plant. ...

The plant is owned by the Army. The video at the link above offers more info.