1 dead, at least 30 injured in Louisiana plant explosion

GEISMAR, La. — State police say at least one person was killed and at least 30 were injured in an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Louisiana.

State police Capt. Doug Cain said a hazardous material crew going through the plant in Geismar after the Thursday morning explosion found one person dead. Early tests did not indicate dangerous levels of any chemicals around the plant, about 20 miles southeast of Baton Rouge, but area residents were told to remain indoors with doors and windows closed, said Jean Kelly, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Quality.

The cause of the blast, reported around 8:30 a.m., was not immediately known. The fire was out by late morning.

Eight of the injured were taken to Baton Rouge Medical Center, where one was listed in critical condition and two others were in serious condition.

The plant makes ethylene and propylene — highly flammable gases that are basic building blocks in the petrochemical industry.

A thick plume of black smoke rose from the plant. At a roadblock several miles away, where family members waited anxiously to hear about loved ones, flames were easily visible above the trees.

Kelly said an ethylene fire at ground level reportedly was waning several hours after the explosion.