BROKEN BOW, Neb. - A central Nebraska town is recovering after an explosion and subsequent fire left many without power on a morning where actual air temperatures ranged from -30 to -20 degrees. 

Multiple explosions and a fire rocked the city of Broken Bow early Thursday morning, which started just after 6:15 a.m. at the Downtown Municipal Power Plant.

The fire caused heavy damage which led to an extensive power outage. Most power has been restored in town but several areas remain without electricity including the Municipal Building, Courthouse and residences north of the railroad tracks.

City officials confirmed that two city employees were inside the power plant during the explosion and both sustained minor injuries and were transported to Melham Medical Center.

Broken Bow Mayor Rod Sonnichsen signed an emergency declaration, and two emergency shelters have been opened to help those without power- one at Third City Christian Church and another at North Park Elementary.

Broken Bow Public Schools have canceled classes due to the ongoing power issues and administrators are offering help to those who need it.

North Park Elementary School Principal Malachi Behrens said he and other school officials "knew that there needed to be some type of action that needed to be taken just to reassure our community. We've opened our media center, gym and our bathroom facilities among other things. And so whatever our community needs, we want to make sure that we're providing that."

City Administrator Dave Schmidt said during a press conference residents in these areas will remain without power for an "undetermined amount of time" while crews work to implement temporary systems.

The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.