LOGAN TWP., N.J. (WPVI) — A massive blast at an industrial facility in Logan Township, New Jersey, sent four people to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
The explosion occurred around 2:36 p.m. at Savita Naturals, a commercial facility on the 600 block of Heron Drive in Swedesboro that processes cocoa butter for the chocolate industry.
Gloucester County officials said the four injured individuals were taken to the hospital in critical condition. A county spokesperson added that all employees at the facility were accounted for.
One of those injured is the owner of the facility, according to a relative who spoke with Action News. The relative says workers inside the facility extract oils using liquid propane, but they also use ethanol. The exact cause of the blast remains under investigation.
The explosion was felt across the immediate area – even across the river in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. A doorbell camera in nearby Swedesboro captured the loud boom just before 3 p.m., while other videos showed a plume of black smoke and debris thrown into nearby trees.
Debris seen in nearby trees after NJ explosion
Firefighters poured water onto the gutted structure for hours as flames continued to burn. Officials said a neighboring building was also damaged, but the situation is now under control.
“It was a terrible tragedy that took place out there,” said Logan Twp. Police Chief Joseph Flatley. “To the community as a whole, we empathize with those that were involved. The community is safe. There are no ongoing hazards.”
WATCH: NJ officials give update on massive industrial explosion in Logan Township
NJ officials give update on massive industrial explosion in Logan Township
A shelter-in-place order was issued within a two-mile radius of Heron Drive and High Hill Road, but has since been lifted, according to Gloucester County Emergency Management.
Workers in surrounding buildings described the blast as violent and startling.
“I heard a really loud boom – it shook our whole building. You could feel it go through you,” said James Barber. “I thought maybe someone hit our building.”
“The whole sky was a plume of smoke,” another witness said. “I saw all the collapse units, technical rescue teams and hazmat coming from different counties. It was bad when I got here.”
The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
Fire and hazmat crews remain on site monitoring the burnoff of additional fuel stored at the facility. Air quality is also being monitored.
Video shows aftermath of explosion in Logan Township, New Jersey
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