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Three Injured In Explosion At UTC Aerospace Systems In Vergennes

Three people were hospitalized for non-life threatening injuries after an explosion Friday at UTC Aerospace Systems in Vergennes.

An "outdoor dust collector" at the plant exploded around noon, according to Vergennes Police Chief George Merkel. Merkel says the blast caused "significant damage" inside the building.

According to a written statement Friday evening from the Vermont State Police, the explosion is still under investigation, but "it is not considered suspicious nor is there any threat to the public at this time."

After the explosion, the building was evacuated and three people were hospitalized, according to a statement from Annie Donnelly, a UTC Aerospace Systems spokesperson. As of Friday evening, two have been released and the third is still being treated in a hospital, Donnelly says. In an earlier statement from the company, Donnelly expressed sympathy for people affected by the incident.

UTC Aerospace Systems is an international aerospace and defense manufacturer. It's headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

This post was updated at 7:35 p.m. with information from the Vermont State Police and UTC Aerospace Systems.

Henry worked for Vermont Public as a reporter from 2017 to 2023.
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