At least 30 people have been injured in a plant explosion that took place in Geismar, Louisiana, on Thursday morning, according to a number of news reports.
The plant was engulfed in flames after the chemical plant along highway 30 erupted, leaving officials to issue a "shelter in place" order ensuring that people living within a two-mile radius of the plant stay home, according to CNN.
A Louisiana State Police dispatcher confirmed to reporters that the plant, which is a property of Williams Companies, Inc., according to CNBC, was being evacuated as the fire still burned through the afternoon, but has been "greatly diminished."
Local officials, as well as the plant's Williams Inc., confirmed the eruption occurred in the morning hours, they are suspecting around 8:30 a.m. local time, USA Today reported.
The magazine also confirmed the plant's purpose is to produce highly flammable gases, including ethylene and propylene, the essential components in the petrochemical industry.
Jean Kelly, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Quality told Yahoo! News that early tests did not show any indication that surrounding areas will suffer any dangerous gas levels, but advise that residents in a 20-mile radius should stay indoors with doors and windows shut.
CNBC later reported that Williams Companies, Inc.'s, whose parent company is Williams Partners L.P., shares fell 12 cents to $33.91 in midday trading. The stock also suffered falling to $32.54, which is a more than 4 percent drop.
In a statement released around noon local time, the company expressed grave concern for their business and the town's residents.
"We are currently focused on the safety and well-being of our employees, contractors and the local community who are responding to the situation," it read. Emergency shut-down valves have been closed. The unit is isolated."
The company has at least 12 other gas and chemical plants throughout North America.
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