GEISMAR, La. (AP) -- Louisiana State Police say a reported explosion has started a fire at a chemical plant.
The Associated Press is reporting that one person has died and at least 30 people were taken to hospitals, according to the Louisiana State Police.
Capt. Doug Cain says the fire broke out Thursday morning at The Williams Companies Inc. plant in the town of Geismar. The plant makes highly flammable gases that are basic building blocks in the petrochemical industry.
The town is about 20 miles southeast of Baton Rouge. Residents in the surrounding area have been asked by state police to stay indoors and close all windows and doors.
The company's website says the plant puts out about 1.3 billion pounds of ethylene and 90 million pounds of polymer grade propylene a year.
The Associated Press is reporting that one person has died and at least 30 people were taken to hospitals, according to the Louisiana State Police.
Capt. Doug Cain says the fire broke out Thursday morning at The Williams Companies Inc. plant in the town of Geismar. The plant makes highly flammable gases that are basic building blocks in the petrochemical industry.
The town is about 20 miles southeast of Baton Rouge. Residents in the surrounding area have been asked by state police to stay indoors and close all windows and doors.
The company's website says the plant puts out about 1.3 billion pounds of ethylene and 90 million pounds of polymer grade propylene a year.
