There has been a major explosion and a fire at a chemical plant in Geismar, Louisiana, along Highway 30, WWL-TV reports.
A state trooper has told reporters that one person has been left dead from the blast, according to Paul Murphy of WWL.
NOLA.com reports it the explosion was at the Williams Olefins plant, which, according to the company's website, produces approximately 1.3 billion pounds of ethylene and 90 million pounds of polymer grade propylene every year. A hazardous materials team is being sent to the site.
At least 60 people have been reported injured. State troopers told WAFB that LA 74 and LA 30 at LA 3115 are closed.
This video shows the extent of the blaze:
Here's photos from the scene:
This image of the plant #fire in #Geismar was sent in from a witness. bit.ly/13H4VFVtwitter.com/WAFB/status/34…
— WAFB (@WAFB) June 13, 2013
Explosion at Williams plant here in Geismar. OK at my job site...but, the trailer shook like hell. Prayers sent. twitter.com/LSUJuicebox/st…
— Justin Chatelain (@LSUJuicebox) June 13, 2013
BREAKING PHOTO: @rob_krieger on scene of possible plant explosion in Geismar, LA "People being evacuated." twitter.com/Rob_Krieger/st…
— NewsBreaker (@NewsBreaker) June 13, 2013
This post will be updated as we find out more...
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