Chemical plant explodes in Massachusetts

MIDDLETON, Mass. - Authorities say a Massachusetts chemical plant has exploded, shaking nearby homes and injuring at least four people.

State police say a Bostik Inc. plant caught fire Sunday night in Middleton, about 20 miles north of Boston. The plant manufactures plastics and adhesives.

Beverly Peterson says she lives about a quarter of a mile from the plant and the explosion shook her home "something fierce." She says by telephone her son-in-law and a friend's nephew work at the plant. She says her son-in-law was working when the plant exploded but wasn't injured.

State police say four people were injured. A spokeswoman for Beverly Hospital says one person was being brought there by ambulance. She didn't know the extent of the victim's injuries.

Wisconsin-based Bostik didn't immediately return messages seeking comment.

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