One Dead in Miss. Plant Explosion

(AP)  Emergency officials say an explosion at a Mississippi copper plant has killed one person and injured several others.

The Itawamba County Emergency Management Agency confirmed to The Associated Press the Wednesday afternoon blast at Mueller Industries Inc. in Fulton.

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency spokesman Jeff Rent says local officials confirmed the death and injuries.

Itawamba County Sheriff Chris Dickinson told WTVA-TV in Tupelo that a medical helicopter and ambulances were sent.

An official with Mueller Industries says the company is still assessing the blast damage. The fire is out.

Officials say a Hazmat team decontaminated people who had chemicals on them.

Memphis, Tenn.-based Mueller Industries manufacturers copper tube and fittings and other products. The company has plants in several states, Canada, Mexico and Great Britain.