A massive chemical fire erupted at a Howard Industries electrical transformer plant in Laurel, Mississippi, on Monday, prompting the evacuation of all employees and drawing fire crews from across the county. The blaze began when a paint booth caught fire next to a tanker truck containing an explosive substance, according to local reports.
Flames and thick black smoke filled the sky as fire trucks responded to the scene. Several loud booms were heard as people evacuated the area and firefighters worked to contain the fire. Employees described intense heat as they fled the facility.
"Everybody’s gotta leave," one witness, Brandon Herford Brewer, said in a video posted to social media. He described the heat as "unbearable" and said his "face is melting."
Fire departments from across Jones County were called to assist. Crews had mostly contained the fire by approximately 8 p.m. local time.
Howard Industries manufactures electrical transformers, which utilities use to distribute electricity. The company's Laurel plant spans approximately 2.3 million square feet.
Officials urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency responders clear access. It was not immediately clear if any injuries occurred or the extent of the damage to the facility. Further information was not immediately released by officials.