One Deader Following Explosion at Massachusetts Car Dealership

Authorities say one person has been killed in an explosion and fire at an auto dealership in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

A spokeswoman for the state Fire Marshal’s office says the explosion and ensuing fire occurred just before 10 a.m. Wednesday at Balise Honda.

Owner Mike Balise tells The Republican of Springfield that the victim worked for a contractor that details and prepares vehicles for sale. He says another worker was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Their names were not immediately available.

Fire officials say the presence of solvents and other chemicals made the fire difficult to tackle.

The Fire Marshal’s office is assisting local authorities in the investigation. There was no immediate word on a cause.