Two men remain in critical condition today, following a massive explosion at a Spooner chemical plant.

Cory LaBonte is being treated at the Miller-Dwan Medical Center in Duluth.

And Aaron Merchant is being treated at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Meanwhile investigators spent the day in Spooner trying to figure out how this explosion happened.

Authorities say after conducting multiple interviews with Cortec employees and analyzing the scene there is no indication of criminal activity.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA was also on the scene today beginning their investigation into how the explosion happened.

They're also looking to see if any safety precautions were violated.

Spooner is recovering today.

The explosion drove dozens from their homes and businesses and created shock throughout the community.

While people were allowed to go back to their homes and businesses today life has not returned to normal.

"Everyone's a little spooked. When a building blows up about 75 to 80 feet from you, it's kind of scary," said eyewitness Richard VanDomelen.

Everyone is wondering how this accident could have happened.
Investigators spent the day in Spooner trying to find that out.

While investigators weren't allowed to speak with reporters, I did talk with the regional director of OSHA in Eau Claire.

"The compliance officers are looking into not only the cause, but the employer's responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace for the employers working at the site," said OSHA Area Director Mark Hysell.

In researching Cortec's work history, we found no records of prior violations of OSHA regulations.

Department of Natural Resources officers also spent the day in Spooner trying to make sure the public is safe from chemical contamination.

DNR officers sampled water surrounding the plant in an attempt to see if it's free of dangerous chemicals.

"Some of these compounds - if they are in high enough concentrations - could harm aquatic life or, if it got into the soil with high enough concentrations, could cause groundwater problems," said Jim Ross with the Spooner DNR.

DNR officers expect to have results by tomorrow.

Meanwhile, OSHA has six months to complete its investigation and issue citations if violations are found.