US News
Large explosion at Westlake chemical plant in Louisiana

A large explosion and fire have been reported at Westlake Chemical South near Lake Charles in Louisiana, injuring at least 6 people, local officials and witnesses say. There is no threat to the surrounding community.
The incident happened at about 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday when an empty tank for Ethylene Dichloride exploded at Westlake Chemical South, which is a chemical manufacturer on PPG Drive in Westlake, about 4 miles west of Lake Charles.
Large plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the site, prompting a precautionary lockdown at all Sulphur and Westlake schools. “All students, faculty, and staff are safe,” the Calcasieu Parish School Board said in a statement.
A spokesman for the company said there are no vapors in the air and there’s no need to shelter in place. At least 6 people were injured, of whom five were taken to area hospitals, the spokesman said, according to KPLC-TV.
Other details about Wednesday’s explosion were not immediately known.
#BREAKING: Smoke billowing from Westlake chemical plant in Lake Charles after reported explosion: https://t.co/5x4OlLbsar pic.twitter.com/KDv4l1vJ78
— FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) January 26, 2022
Huge explosion felt and heard in Sulphur, large mushroom cloud visible toward Westlake. pic.twitter.com/lOQynxh1Hv
— Read Free Louisiana (@readfreeamerica) January 26, 2022

-
Legal6 days ago
Bomber of California fertility clinic identified, described himself as pro-mortalist
-
US News6 days ago
1 killed in car bombing at Palm Springs, California fertility clinic
-
World2 days ago
6.2 earthquake strikes near Crete, Greece; shaking felt as far as Israel and Egypt
-
World1 week ago
6.1 earthquake strikes near Greek islands, shaking felt in Israel and Egypt
-
Legal4 days ago
Shooting reported at University of Wisconsin-Platteville
-
Legal3 days ago
California Amber Alert: Amira Coleman abducted near Oakland
-
Legal5 days ago
5 injured in stabbing attack in Germany; Syrian suspect at large
-
US News5 days ago
Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of prostate cancer