Fire at Chevron Chemical Plant Leaves Two Injured, Burns Covering 15% of Body

A fire broke out Thursday at a chemical plant in Louisiana, injuring two people. According to news reports, the accident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. at a plant belonging to the Chevrolet Renewable Energy Group in Geismar, about 66 miles (106 kilometers) west of New Orleans. "With the assistance of local resources, the fire has been contained and teams are working to shut down the facility in a safe and orderly manner." Alison Cook, a Chevron spokeswoman, said: "We are grateful to the local responders for their quick response." The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that the fire was completely extinguished around 9:40 a.m., and there were no reports of any impact beyond the scene. Roads near the plant were temporarily closed, but official representatives have announced that all roads have reopened. A spokesman for Baton Rouge General Medical Center said 15 percent of the injured workers were in critical condition. Megan Parrish, vice president of communications at Baton Rouge General Hospital, said the other worker, who suffered burns on 2 percent of his body, was in stable condition and was expected to be released later Thursday and continue outpatient care. Local officials said the factory was closed for the day and all workers were moved to a safe area outside the site.