A huge explosion has occurred at the Nippon facility in Longview, in the US state of Washington. Several people were hospitalised with chemical burns on Tuesday morning following the explosion at around 7.30am, though the exact number is not yet known.

The Longview Fire Department (LPD) confirmed the incident occurred near the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company. LPD Battalion Chief Mike Gorsuch told KIRO Newsradio: “The initial call came out as chemical burns, and initial resources found that there were multiple patients.” The explosion is now under control, though locals have been asked to avoid the area.

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