GREENVILLE, Miss. — Emergency crews are responding to a reported chemical explosion Wednesday morning at Loveland, formerly known as Platte Chemical, in Greenville.
The Greenville Fire Department received notification of the explosion at approximately 7:10 a.m. Nov. 4, according to the City of Greenville.
Preliminary information from plant management indicates the incident involves a fire associated with an herbicide chemical inside a hot box.
The Greenville Fire Department requested assistance from multiple agencies, including the Riverside and Leland fire departments, as well as the Greenville Mid-Delta Airport Fire Department, which was asked to provide specialized firefighting foam.
Pafford Emergency Medical Services was placed on standby, while the Washington County Emergency Operations Center coordinated with the regional hazardous materials response team. Fire departments and other safety agencies from surrounding counties also provided assistance.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality dispatched personnel to the scene to assist with the response.
Mayor Errick D. Simmons said the city’s priority is protecting residents, emergency responders and employees at or near the facility.
City officials urged residents to avoid the immediate area, stay away from visible smoke or chemical vapors and refrain from interfering with emergency operations.
Residents near the facility were also advised to remain alert for official instructions, including any evacuation or shelter-in-place orders issued by emergency management officials.
Information about potential chemical exposure, air quality and additional safety precautions had not been confirmed as of Wednesday morning.
The city said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as verified information becomes available.
