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May 16, 2000 - 06:05 PM

Title: Explosion-Fire Reported at Pyrotechnics Plant

The Associated Press

BUFFALO, N.D. (AP) - An explosion and fire on Tuesday rocked a building used to make fireworks components. One person working inside was believed dead and a man who tried to rescue him was severely burned, authorities said.

The walls of the large steel building, which was located on a farm 50 miles northwest of Fargo, were blown out by the explosion around 12:30 p.m.

"The gentleman that was working inside is believed to have expired inside. We have not been able to pull him out yet," Cass County Detective Steve Gabrielson said. The victim's name was not immediately released.

Cass County Sheriff's Lt. Rick Majerus said another man, who tried to rescue the man trapped in the building, was being treated for severe burns and a 10-year-old girl was being treated for smoke inhalation.

The building was used by the Lightning Pyrotechnics company to make fireworks components.

"The building was totally engulfed when we arrived here," said Jim Jaeger, an assistant fire chief in Buffalo.

AP-ES-05-16-00 1803EDT http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGI6EZW2C8C.html

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