Three injured in explosion at Corbion Caravan plant in Kansas

The explosion occurred around 1:30 am on the fourth floor of the seven-story facility at Kansas Ave and I-635, which produces dry blend ingredients for the bakery, food, and beverage industries. 

Three Corbion Caravan employees were injured as a result of the explosion and two are receiving treatment at a local area hospital; the 3rd has been released, said the firm in a statement at noon EST Friday.

"The Kansas City area fire crew and emergency personnel responded quickly to the fire alarm and were on the scene in minutes and wrapped up their work around 2:45am. The safety and well being of our employees is the top priority for us. ​

"A full investigation is underway into the cause of the explosion. We do not expect any business disruption to our customers as we have back up inventories and expect the facility to be fully operational within the next 24-48 hours."​

The damage was contained​

Mary Bentley, VP Marketing & Business Development, told FoodNavigator-USA on Friday morning that the plant operates 24-7 and is fully-staffed around the clock.

She added: "There was minimal damage, less than $50,000. The damage was contained in the drop zone between the mixers."​

The company has not released specific details of the cause of the explosion but Bentley said it was the result of the "interaction between two ingredients".​

Asked about the status of the employees in hospital she said: "One is being treated for smoke inhalation and the other is being treated for second and third degree burns."​

Corbion Caravan​ employs around 700 people in operations in nine locations in North America making bread mixes, specialty bases, frozen dough, vitamin and mineral premixes, functional ingredients and emulsifiers.