The Nation - News from April 4, 1985

Fiery explosions at a factory that packages pesticide bombs released toxic fumes that sent at least 50 persons to hospitals, officials said in Rockford, Ill. Most of the injured were firefighters. Dozens of homes and businesses were damaged and debris was scattered up to three blocks away. Walt Pederson, 45, who owned the factory--Pewe Packaging Co. Inc.--died of an apparent heart attack after he and 13 others escaped the flaming building, Rockford Fire Chief William Baylor said. None of the other injuries were serious and all the victims were quickly released, officials said.