2 workers hurt, 1 missing in Texas chemical plant explosion

CRESSON, Texas (AP) — A fire at a Texas chemical plant Thursday injured two workers and left a third unaccounted for, and fire crews weren't able to battle the blaze because of the toxic fumes being spewed into the air, an official said.

Investigators believe the fire at the Tri-Chem Industries plant in Cresson was sparked by a worker dragging his foot on the floor while chemicals were being mixed, said Bob Cornett, the mayor of Cresson.

He said that worker caught fire from the waist up and was airlifted with critical burn injures to a hospital in Dallas, which is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the northeast. Another worker with less severe injuries was treated at a hospital and a third worker is missing.