By CATHY DYSON
Two people were burned yesterday when a boiler exploded in a mechanical room at the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense headquarters at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren.
One person was airlifted to a hospital and the other was taken by ambulance, said spokesman Gary Wagner. He wouldn't release the names of those hurt, the extent of their injuries or to which hospitals they went.
Both people injured were in the boiler room when the explosion occurred about 10:15 a.m., Wagner said.
The Aegis headquarters, which is on the main side of the base, and the building next to it were evacuated. About an hour later, the workers--about 400 military personnel, federal workers and civilian contractors--went back back to their offices.
The explosion caused a small fire that was contained quickly, Wagner said. "We're very grateful that it was relatively minor."
Fire personnel at the naval base are investigating the incident, Wagner said.
The Aegis system is used on naval warships and was named after the shield of Zeus in Greek mythology. The system uses the latest radar technology to detect and engage threats.
The Ballistic Missile Defense command modifies Aegis components for use against those threats.
Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com