At least one person was reported missing and eight others were injured early Thursday after an explosion and a massive fire with two alarms in a paint factory in Columbus, Ohio.
The fire caused evacuations in the area and caused firefighters to scramble to get the fire under control, officials said.
The injured included five people who were taken to hospitals after escaping from the building alone, the Columbus Division of Fire said in a statement.
However, two people were trapped inside the building and had to be rescued. They were in a critical condition, officials said.
“The search and rescue efforts are continuing, as well as the extinguishing efforts at this time,” the statement added.
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The fire was reported at the Yenkin-Majestic Paints plant, which is operated by the Yenkin-Majestic Paint Corp. The company is described as a family business and industry coverage manufacturer.
Fire Chief Steve Martin said Hazmat’s crew was at the scene because the factory is home to hazardous materials, reports Columbus’ WBNS TV. He added that evacuations were underway at nearby businesses.
The scene occurred early Thursday at the Yenkin Majestic Paints plant in Columbus, Ohio.
(Columbus Division of Fire)
Local residents who posted on Twitter said they felt the explosion in the homes.
“Powerful enough to shake my whole house,” wrote one resident.
“Something blew up in Columbus,” replied another.
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“It was all over the city, I think,” wrote another. “I’m in the middle of Columbus, at fair. We heard a ‘muffled’ explosive sound and the whole house shook, the windows rattled. All the neighbors came out of their houses, our dog ran upstairs to to see what happens, etc. “
In photos taken by residents, a large plume of smoke rose into the air.
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The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.