Tank Leak Eyed as Cause of Sodium Carbonate Plant Explosion

Over 130 people were injured Monday in an explosion at a chemical plant in southern Iran, international news organizations reported. The blast also caused a release of toxic gas into the environment.

The explosion is thought to have been caused by a leak in an ammonium tank at the facility near Firuzabad, a local emergency management official told The Independent. 133 people were transported for medical treatment, but no fatalities have been logged.

Fire crews swiftly doused the fire, and a road near the plant was shut down during the incident, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Coverage by Radio Free Europe noted that the plant manufactures sodium carbonate.