2 injured, 1 missing after ‘pyrotechnics’ incident at south Arkansas weapons facility

CAMDEN, Ark. (AP) — At least two people were injured and another was missing Wednesday after a “pyrotechnics” incident at a defense weapons facility in south Arkansas, the facility’s operators said.

A spokesperson for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems said it happened at its facility Wednesday morning in Camden, located about 86 miles (138 kilometers) south of Little Rock.

“At this time, we are working with first responders and can confirm the incident resulted in at least two injuries and one missing individual,” Berkley Whaley with General Dynamics said in a statement. “We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation.”

The statement did not provide any details on the extent of the injuries. The state Department of Emergency Management said it was monitoring the situation and stood ready to assist but did not provide any additional details.

One patient was treated at the Ouachita County Medical Center’s emergency room and is in stable condition, said Diane Isaacs, the hospital’s risk manager. Another patient was transported by helicopter to a facility out of state, she said.

Isaacs said the hospital has been told to not expect any more patients.