By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating a powerful explosion that rocked an industrial facility in Gloucester County on Wednesday afternoon, sending multiple people to the hospital and prompting emergency officials to issue a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby residents and businesses.
According to a report by 6ABC Action News, the blast occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the Savita Naturals facility located on the 600 block of Heron Drive in Logan Township’s Pureland Industrial Complex.
The company processes cocoa butter used in the chocolate industry.
Emergency responders from several agencies rushed to the scene after reports of a large explosion and heavy smoke coming from the building.
Officials said at least five people were injured during the incident, with four individuals reported in critical condition and transported to area hospitals.
Authorities said the blast was strong enough to be felt across parts of the region, with witnesses reporting a loud boom and visible smoke rising from the industrial complex.
As a precaution, Gloucester County emergency management officials issued a shelter-in-place order for residents and businesses within roughly a two-mile radius of the facility while fire crews and hazardous-materials teams assessed the situation and monitored air quality in the surrounding area.
Officials later lifted the advisory after determining there was no immediate danger to the public.
Firefighters and hazmat teams remained on scene for several hours monitoring the burn-off of fuel stored at the facility and ensuring the area remained safe.
Authorities said everyone believed to be inside the facility at the time of the explosion has been accounted for.
The exact cause of the explosion remains under active investigation by local and county officials.
Officials are expected to release additional information as investigators continue examining what led to the powerful blast that shook the Logan Township industrial area Wednesday afternoon.