An afternoon explosion in the small town of Allen, Neb. is leaving the community shaken up Thursday evening. Crews on the scene say a flash fire from a chemical explosion sent two people to the hospital.

 

Investigators say two elderly people were just cleaning the bathroom inside Allen's former Village Inn, soon to be a new bar and restaurants when an explosion ripped through the room, sending both people to the hospital.

 

"You never think in a small town like this it's going to happen, I mean what is there to explode?" said Connie Roberts, a teacher in Allen, Neb.

 

But around 5 p.m. Thursday, an explosion at the former Village Inn rocked the small community of Allen, all from two people inside, cleaning.

 

"Cleaning in the bathroom with chemicals, which caused the explosion," said Sara Kumm, Allen, NE EMT Rescue Captain.

 

Allen Fire Chief Rod Strivens says an elderly man and woman inside quickly extinguished the flames from the flash fire caused by the explosion. Officials say there was minimal damage to the building, but the explosion sent both to the hospital. One person was taken to the hospital via life flight.

 

"You just try to do whatever you can to help the guy as soon as you can," said Rod Strivens, Allen, NE Fire Chief.

More at source: ABC

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