Paper Mill Explosion Injures Worker, Causes $500,000 in Damage

An explosion and several small fires damaged a paper mill and injured a worker Saturday night in Wisconsin, authorities said.

The coal bunker that fuels the plant's boiler blew up at the mill owned by Expera Specialty Solutions on Thilmany Road about 10:20 p.m., Kaukauna Fire Department Lt. Heath Lietzan-Buechel said.

The incident happened as the boiler was being shut down as part of an annual maintenance protocol, company spokeswoman Addie Teeters said. An isolation valve that is designed to keep gas from touching coal dust malfunctioned.

The explosion blew out exterior panels on the sides of the building and a cinder-block wall.