1 dead in explosion at Sierra Chemical Co. in Sparks

RENO — Federal safety regulators in Northern Nevada are investigating an explosion that killed a worker at a chemical company in Sparks.

Sparks police said a tank containing compressed air exploded shortly after 8 a.m. Friday at the Sierra Chemical Co. in east Sparks.

The department said there were no chemicals or fire involved in the explosion, and no one else was injured.

Officials for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating.

No other information was immediately released.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that OSHA records show Sierra Chemical was cited for three serious safety violations in December, including at least one case of mishandling hazardous materials.

In 1998, an explosion at a Sierra Chemical facility in Lockwood killed four workers and injured six others.