Two injured, one missing after 'pyrotechnics' incident at Arkansas weapons factory

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

A spokesman for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems said the incident occurred Wednesday morning at its facility in Camden, located about 86 miles south of Little Rock.

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

The statement did not provide 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 additional details.

One patient was treated in the emergency room at Ouachita County Medical Center and is in stable condition, said Diane Isaacs, the hospital's chief risk officer. Another patient was flown by helicopter to an out-of-state facility, she added.

Isaacs said the hospital had been told to stop taking patients.