Two explosions were heard at the flood-hit Arkema SA chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, on Thursday, after plant managers had warned of an impending accident.
Authorities had earlier ordered an evacuation for all remaining workers and everyone within a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) radius. Black smoke was seen rising from the damaged plant after the explosion.
“At approximately 2 a.m. CDT (0700 UTC), we were notified by the Harris County Emergency Operations Center of two explosions and black smoke coming from the Arkema Inc plant in Crosby, Texas,” the company statement said.
It warned that further explosions were likely, but said the best course of action was to let the fire burn itself out.
The Harris County sheriff’s office said 10 people were in hospital after inhaling fumes from the plant. Nine of them drove themselves there as a precaution.
The plant produced organic peroxides used in the production of plastic resins, polystyrene, paints and other products.
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