Fire at Albany Chemical Plant; One Injured

A flash fire at an Albany chemical plant left an employee critically burned. The blaze occurred at about 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Equinox Chemicals Plant. A 37-year-old worker sustained second and third-degree burns over 60 to 70 percent of his body. Authorities said Jason Pate was listed in critical condition at the Augusta Burn Center. Investigators said Pate was operating a machine when two gasket seals ruptured and ignited a tank filled with acetylene. Company officials suspended production temporarily until they finish an internal investigation.

(Associated Press)