At Least One Dead, Several Injured in Second La. Chemical Plant Explosion
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(DONALDSON, La.) — Police and emergency units responded Friday to the scene of a second chemical factory explosion in Louisiana in as many days, this time near Baton Rouge.
State Police say at least five people were injured, three critically, and one person is dead from an explosion at C.F. Industries plant, where phosphorous and nitrogen are made. Officials are blaming the blast on an over pressured nitrogen truck inside the plant.
Friday’s explosion comes just one day after another chemical explosion just 20 miles away at the Williams Companies factory, which produces ethylene and propylene. A second person died Friday from injuries in that explosion.
Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley said authorities are investigating.
“We love the petrochemical industry and we love the engine, the economics that go with it, the jobs and the quality of life that it provides for us. Sadly and tragically, on occasion we get reminded about the fact that things can happen and clearly they happened yesterday,” Wiley said.
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