7 Construction Workers Hurt In Explosion

BATESVILLE, Ark. - Authorities say seven construction workers have been injured in an explosion in a tunnel being dug beneath the Batesville Municipal Golf Course.

Independence County Sheriff Alan Cockrill said the workers were digging a tunnel Thursday underneath the golf course, using explosives. He said that workers entered the tunnel after an explosion to dig another hole to place more explosives when they accidently hit remnants of the previous explosives and a blast ensued.

The explosion occurred about 1:45 p.m.

Those injured were taken to the White River Medical Center in Batesville. Sheriff's Deputy Michael Daar said one of the men injured was transferred to a trauma unit at a Little Rock hospital.

Mayor Rick Elumbaugh said the men were working on a new wastewater treatment plant.