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'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 and fire, 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. It is believed some people have been injured but no deaths have so far been reported.
The plant produces ethylene and polymer grade propylene, according to the Williams website. The plant produces highly flammable gases that are used in the petrochemical industry.
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. The cause of the blast, which happened at about 08:30 local time (13:30 GMT), is unclear.
Major roads around the site have been sealed off and nearby residents have been told to stay inside their homes with doors and windows closed.
Corey Gautreaux, captain of the City of Gonzales Fire Department, said emergency services were treating people at the scene.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. WAFB TV reported that six burns victims had been airlifted to hospital, citing the Iberville Office of Emergency Preparedness.
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."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."
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