Update: Chemical Likely Causes Explosion at Ankeny Monsanto Building

Updated, 2:20 p.m.

A chemical reaction is likely the cause of a small explosion that occurred at an Ankeny business today, according to Ankeny Fire Chief Rex Mundt.

The Ankeny Fire Department was called to at 12:38 p.m., Mundt said. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a small chemical container located in the building's hood system had overpressurized and ruptured, likely causing the reaction, Mundt said.

No one was seriously injured in the accident, Mundt said. One employee, whose name was not released, came into contact with chemical vapors and was treated by emergency personnel on scene. The victim was transported to a Des Moines hospital as a precautionary measure.

All other employees were evacuated outdoors while the Des Moines Fire Department's Hazmat team worked to secure the building.

Mundt said the cause of the rupture and the extent of the damage is unknown at this time. He said more details will be released following the release of the Hazmat team's initial report.

Mundt also said he is unaware of any similar incidents occurring at Monsanto. He called it a "very secure building."

"At the time the alarm, the building's ventilation system automatically shut down so no other vapors were transmitted," he said.

Look for updates on Ankeny Patch.

Earlier Coverage

An explosion was reported inside a lab in Ankeny Tuesday, KCCI.com reports.

A hazmat crew from the Des Moines Fire Department was called to the building at 3302 S.E. Convenience Blvd. about 12:35 p.m.

Other details are not yet available; it is unknown if there are injuries.