Welding Sparks Deadly Explosion In Louisiana Paper Mill

A tank at a packaging plant exploded in DeRidder this morning, killing three contractors and injuring at least seven, according to State Police. The explosion happened around 11 a.m. at the Packaging Corporation of America, an old paper mill, said Chief Deputy Joe Toler of the Beauregard Sheriff’s Office. Three men, all contractors, are confirmed dead, a PCA statement confirms. An unaccounted for person reported earlier has been located and is safe. State police have confirmed that there are six minor injuries and one moderate injury after the explosion.