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Three people were injured, one critically, in an overnight explosion at a Postville manufacturing plant, officials said.Rescue crews responded to the Norplex-Micarta laminate manufacturing plant around 1:20 a.m. after an explosion was reported.

Firefighters found blue smoke rolling out of one side of the building with lighter black smoke on the roof.

One person was critically injured in the blast and taken by helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' Burn Unit in Iowa City. Another person with minor injuries was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, treated and released. A third person refused treatment at the scene, officials said.

The explosion activated the plant's sprinklers which helped suppress the fire and keep it from spreading. Firefighters entered the building to put out smaller fires and shut down gas valves, boilers and valves that transfer flammable materials used in the plant's manufacturing process, officials said.

The damage is estimated at $5-$7 million.

In a statement, plant manager Alan Johnson said the company is waiting for further updates on their employees and about what happened.

"Our prayers are with our employees and their families," he said.