October 14, 2005

SCHOFIELD, Wis. -- One worker was killed and another was injured in an explosion and fire at a wood products manufacturer in Schofield.

Company executives said three of eight buildings at American Wood Fibers are destroyed.

Billy Smith, 33. of Wausau, was killed. He was a father of four.

Vice president Tom Frank said damage costs will exceed $1 million

Franks said about 15 workers were ending an overnight shift when the explosion occurred. Its cause was not immediately known, but investigators have ruled out foul play.

Fire Chief Doug Jennings said reverberations from the explosion about 5:30 a.m. could be felt throughout the village, including at his home.

The injured worker was taken to an area hospital.

American Wood Fibers makes wood composite for a variety of uses, including animal bedding