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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 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. |
It is believed some people have been injured but no deaths have so far been reported. | |
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. |
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. |
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." |
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. | 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. |
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