Pesticide Plant Explosion Kills 4, Injures 10

4 people were killed, and 10 others were hurt Thursday after an explosion at the Crimsun Organics pesticide plant at the SIPCOT industrial estate in Cuddalore, India, local news organizations reported.

A reactor vessel exploded at the facility around 7:45 a.m., sources told The Hindu. About 15 people became trapped inside the plant during the incident. Another account by India Today stated that a boiler was involved in the blast.

The explosion caused an ammonia gas leak at the facility, coverage by the United Press of India (UPI) said. Those with injuries were taken to an area hospital for treatment and firefighters responded to the scene to put out flames.

Crimsum Organics is a producer of crop protection chemical active ingredients and intermediates, according to information on the firm’s website. The Cuddalore manufacturing site has glass lined and stainless-steel reactors with capacities ranging from 2,000 l to 14,000 l, as well as distillation column and vacuum systems.