Explosion Reported at Tenn. Eastman Chemical Company Plant

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An explosion was reported at a massive chemical plant in Kingsport, Tennessee, as emergency crews responded.

Aerial footage showed a white and gray plume of smoke emitting from the Eastman Chemical Company plant. The firm told CBS that no employees were injured but they were told to shelter in place.

Those within a half-mile of the explosion should continue to stay inside, officials said.

Eastman issued a statement to the Times-News:

“Eastman has removed the precautionary shelter in place advisory Wednesday for its corporate campus and surrounding community, except for those within a half-mile radius of the intersection of John B. Dennis and Moreland Drive, and personnel inside the Kingsport plant perimeter.

“The shelter in place advisory was issued in an abundance of caution in response to a process upset in the coal gasification area of its Kingsport manufacturing site.

“No injuries have been reported. The incident was reported to the proper regulatory authorities.

“We expect to have an assessment by 3 p.m. whether the localized shelter in place advisory will be lifted.

“Eastman will continue to share additional details as they become available.”