Paint business explodes, injuring three

Three people were injured when fire broke out at an industrial company in Wijchen this morning. One of them was admitted to the hospital with serious burn wounds, police say.

The fire started after an explosion in the company’s paint shop and quickly spread to the roof, where it caused a thick cloud of smoke. Police spokesman Frank de Valk said the smoke came from the bitumen, the material the roof had been covered with. He said it did not appear that dangerous materials had been released, but neighbors in surrounding houses have nevertheless been advised to keep their doors and windows closed. Part of the industrial area in the Gelderland town has been cordoned off.