Disasters · Greenville plant fireGreenville chemical explosion prompts shelter-in-place order near Loveland plantAired November 4, 2026 at 5:23 PM UTCThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:07An explosion at a chemical plant sent a large black smoke plume over Greenville.0:12Nearby residents were told to shelter indoors and shut out potentially hazardous0:17smoke.0:17Firefighters and hazardous materials teams responded to protect neighbors and people0:23working at the plant.0:24The urgent question is whether the shelter order has changed, and what air testing0:29shows about possible exposure.0:31The explosion struck Loveland Products in Greenville, Mississippi, a city of about0:35twenty-six thousand people.0:37The shelter instructions target areas near the facility.0:40Loveland belongs to Nutrion, and the plant was formerly known as Platt Chemical.0:45The Washington County Emergency Operations Center issued the order just before nine0:50thirty Wednesday morning, November fourth.0:53City officials placed the explosion just after seven.0:56The fire department received notification at about seven ten.1:00Then began its emergency response.1:02Officials described the affected area using Highway182 from Beauchamp.1:07To Kune Road and VFW from Beauchamp to Kune Road, residents within or1:13near that zone were told to take precautions against smoke entering their homes.1:18The facility is at9117 Platte Road.1:22A state wastewater permit identifies it under the Platt Chemical and Loveland1:26products names.1:27That location helps identify the operation, while emergency instructions focus on1:33the surrounding area, keep windows and exterior doors tightly closed, turn off1:38heating, cooling, and ventilation systems that draw outdoor air inside.1:44Officials also told nearby residents to avoid outdoor activities until further1:49notice and stay alert for emergency instructions.1:52People were told to avoid the plant's immediate vicinity and give emergency crews1:56room to work.1:58Don't approach the facility, interfere with the response, or enter visible smoke or2:03chemical vapors.2:04Follow any evacuation or shelter instructions issued by emergency officials.2:09Anyone who thinks they were exposed should seek medical attention.2:13Officials say call nine one one immediately for burning or watering eyes, persistent2:19coughing or throat irritation, dizziness or severe headaches, nausea or2:24vomiting, chest tightness or shortness of breath.2:28Those are precautionary health instructions.2:30Officials haven't confirmed a chemical exposure among nearby residents.2:35The protective order responds to the potential danger from smoke, while crews fight2:39the fire and environmental teams assess conditions.2:42County Deputy Emergency Management Director2:45Sarah Moreland Hester said the fire was controlled by mid-morning, but wasn't fully2:51extinguished.2:52Emergency officials reported zero injuries as of ten twenty-eight that morning.2:57The fire assessment didn't provide an all-clear for surrounding residents.3:01Plant management's preliminary explanation linked the fire to an herbicide chemical3:06inside a hot box.3:07Officials haven't named the chemical or said how much escaped.3:12Investigators still have to determine what caused the explosion and what the smoke3:17carried beyond the facility.3:18Greenville firefighters requested help from Riverside and Leeland.3:22They also requested specialized firefighting foam from the Greenville Mid-Delta3:27Airport Fire Department.3:29Pafford Emergency Medical Services was placed on standby, and additional fire and3:34safety departments were dispatched from surrounding counties.3:38The County Emergency Operations Center coordinated with a regional hazardous3:42materials team.3:43The Environmental Protection Agency and Mississippi Department of Environmental3:48Quality sent personnel to the scene.3:50Environmental monitoring and containment assistance formed part of the response as3:55crews worked around the plant.3:57Mayor Eric D.3:58Simmons said protecting residents, first responders and everyone working at or near4:03the facility was the city's first priority.4:06He asked people to remain calm, avoid the immediate area, and give emergency4:12personnel space.4:13We don't yet know whether officials have lifted or changed the shelter order.4:17Officials said they'll release information about potential exposure, air quality,4:22and any additional precautions once confirmed.4:24They haven't released confirmation.Explore with HeyDexFollow via RSS
