An explosion at a chemical factory in the southern US state of Louisiana injured at least seven people on Thursday, local media reported.
Huge black plumes of smoke and orange flames could be seen billowing out of the plant in Geismar.
WAFB reported that people in the area were told to close their windows and shut down air conditioning units to protect themselves from the potentially toxic smoke.
The Iberville Office of Emergency Preparedness told the station that at least seven people were injured and that emergency crews were on scene.
A spokesman for the office was not immediately available for comment but the parish posted a note on its Facebook page denying reports that officials had confirmed fatalities at the plant.
Explosion at US chemical plant injures 7: report
