This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22894877
The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| 'Blast' at chemical plant in US state of Louisiana | 'Blast' at chemical plant in US state of Louisiana |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A chemical plant in the US state of Louisiana has been hit by a large explosion, officials say. | A chemical plant in the US state of Louisiana has been hit by a large explosion, officials say. |
| The blast happened at the Williams Olefins chemical plant in Geismar, south of Baton Rouge, the fire service said. | The blast happened at the Williams Olefins chemical plant in Geismar, south of Baton Rouge, the fire service said. |
| One report said there had been an unknown number of injuries but this has not been confirmed. | One report said there had been an unknown number of injuries but this has not been confirmed. |
| The plant produces ethylene and polymer grade propylene, according to the Williams website. | The plant produces ethylene and polymer grade propylene, according to the Williams website. |
| Photographs posted online by local media showed a huge pall of smoke over the area. | Photographs posted online by local media showed a huge pall of smoke over the area. |
| Major roads around the site have been sealed off, police said. | Major roads around the site have been sealed off, police said. |
| Corey Gautreaux, captain of the City of Gonzales Fire Department, said emergency services were treating people at the scene. | |
| There were no immediate reports of fatalities. | |
| Amy Johnson, a spokeswoman for the district office of the Homeland Security department said: "The fire department, the sheriff's office and hazmat (hazardous materials) team are responding to the explosion at the Williams Olefins plant." | |
| Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | |
| Read the terms and conditions |