Explosions at plant prompt evacuation

Several explosions engulfed a chemical plant in flames, forcing a broad evacuation in Kansas City as the fire spewed a sticky substance that residents were warned not to touch.

Two workers at Chemcentral Corp. suffered minor injuries, authorities said. Police drove up and down nearby streets warning that more explosions were expected, but the blaze began subsiding in late evening.

Fire officials told residents throughout the city to avoid picking up debris carried by the dark cloud that streamed over downtown, although Fire Chief Richard Dyer said the material was not highly toxic.