An explosion at a chemical plant near Yazoo City, Mississippi, on Wednesday led to an ammonia leak, according to officials. The incident occurred at CF Industries’ facility, which produces ammonia for agricultural use. The state of Mississippi is actively responding to the leak, with Governor Tate Reeves confirming the explosion caused the release of anhydrous ammonia.
No deaths or injuries were reported at the site, though officials urged immediate evacuation for residents near Renshaw Road and Generette Road, advising those in the surrounding area to shelter in. The American Red Cross has set up a reception center in the city to assist affected residents. The Department of Transportation reported that lanes on U.S. Highway 49 were closed in both directions due to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is conducting air monitoring operations to ensure public safety. Governor Reeves also thanked emergency responders and managers for their quick action. CF Industries’ Yazoo City facility has a gross annual capacity of 570,000 tons of ammonia, according to the company’s details.
Additional news highlights included a video capturing the aftermath of a St. Louis County home explosion that left a teen critically injured, as well as the FBI arresting two men in connection with a Harvard Medical School explosion. These developments underscore the ongoing risks associated with chemical incidents and the swift response efforts by local authorities and emergency services.