Paper mill explodes in Sartell

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SARTELL - An explosion and fire at the Verso Paper Mill in Sartell Sunday that killed one and injured five others. Names of those involved have not been released.

A St. Cloud Hospital spokeswoman says at least three of the injured were treated and released Monday afternoon. More than a dozen local fire companies responded after the blast and fire, which is still be attended to by crews. The Red Cross remains at the mill site supplying food and water to firefighters and emergency workers.

Sartell's Fire Chief Ken Heim calls the fire "the biggest in Sartell history." One of the challenges in battling the fire was that the mill's sprinkler system was damaged in the explosion.

Heim expects fire crews will be on scene around-the-clock for the next day or two. He says the State Fire Marshall is on hand and the investigation will begin when the fire is

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