Chemical plant explosion in Mississippi prompts shelter-in-place order

GREENVILLE, Miss. (WMC/Gray News) - A chemical plant explosion in Mississippi prompted a massive emergency response Wednesday morning.

According to Washington County emergency officials, crews were called to the Loveland facility, formerly known as Platte Chemical, just after 7 a.m. for an initial blast involving a chemical herbicide stored inside a “hot box.”

Multiple agencies responded as thick smoke spread from the facility, prompting a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area.

Firefighters and emergency personnel were able to contain the flames once at the scene while undergoing decontamination protocols due to potential chemical exposure.

Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons praised the swift coordination of local and state responders.

“Our first priority is the safety of our residents, our first responders, and everyone working at or near the facility,” Simmons said. “I ask our citizens to remain calm, avoid the immediate area, and allow our firefighters and emergency personnel the space they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

Officials confirmed no injuries were reported in the explosion while lifting the shelter-in-place order.

The cause of the blast remained under investigation.