Multiple injuries in explosion, fire at Louisiana chemical plant

GEISMAR, La.-- Multiple injuries have been reported in an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Geismar, Louisiana, authorities said Thursday.

The plant was burning Thursday morning, Amy Johnson of the Ascension Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Office told CNN.

CNN affiliate WAFB in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, identified the facility as the Williams Olefins plant, which produces approximately 1.3 billion pounds of ethylene and 90 million pounds of polymer-grade propylene each year, according to the company's website.

Video broadcast by WAFB showed flames and a plume of thick black smoke rising over one part of the plant. At least one other plume of smoke or steam could be seen rising from another part of the plant.

Geismar is about 30 miles southeast of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

From CNN