Explosion at Louisiana water plant injures at least 4, causes chemical release

Four people were taken to hospitals after a chemical explosion at a water plant in northwest Louisiana, causing a leak that was contained to the immediate area, according to local officials. At least one person was severely injured.

The explosion happened at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Logansport Water Plant near 189 Water Plant Road in DeSoto Parish, along the Texas state line.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson said the explosion happened while workers at the plant were refilling a tank with chlorine-related chemicals used for water treatment. The explosion completely destroyed the tank they were filling.

DeSoto Fire District 1 said a mixture of two chemicals had leaked after the explosion. One person suffered a severe injury, while three others were taken to hospitals for some form of chemical exposure, according to KSLA.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office said the chemical release was contained to the immediate area and no evacuation order was needed. Officials said there was no known threat to the surrounding community beyond the area of the emergency response.

The immediate area around the water plant was closed to through traffic while first responders and hazardous materials teams continue working at the scene. Residents were asked to avoid the area.

The water system initially appeared to be operating normally, with no indication of a widespread issue affecting the public water supply. Officials later said some residents in the Logansport area may be experiencing temporary water service interruptions after the incident.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.