US Edition'You can kind of taste it in the air': Roseland plant explosion ignites health concerns
Mandatory evacuation affects over 800 residents and closes Roseland Elementary as fire at lubricant plant remains 90% contained with ongoing air and water safety monitoring.
- The Smitty's Supply plant in Roseland experienced a fire, prompting a mandatory evacuation within a one-mile radius affecting Tangipahoa Parish residents as crews worked to contain the blaze.
- Officials say the cause remains undetermined and investigators are working the scene, noting Smitty's Supply storage tanks contain flammable chemicals; responders reported small overnight explosions as the fire continued.
- State and federal monitors say air readings are below actionable thresholds, but residents report black oily residue and contaminated pools up to 20 miles away; the EPA and LDEQ are collecting samples with lab results expected soon.
- By Saturday evening the fire was reported about 90% contained, nearly 150 field personnel are engaged on site, and the Environmental Protection Agency is leading the environmental response efforts.
- Independent expert Scott Smith is conducting testing in Tangipahoa Parish, sending samples to EPA-certified labs; he seeks quick initial results though full testing may take up to two weeks, while officials warn vulnerable groups face elevated exposure risks and urge families to preserve soot and filters.
32 Articles
32 Articles
American Lung Assoc.: How to reduce risks after plant explosion
ROSELAND — The American Lung Association is issuing the following health guidance for residents impacted by the Smitty’s Supply Inc. plant explosion in Roseland. This information is especially important for residents living with a lung disease, including asthma, chronic obstructive…
The Record
WellandTribune.caLouisiana governor says there’s no sign of ‘imminent danger’ after fire at auto lubricant plant
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Following a massive fire on Friday at an automotive lubricant plant in southeast Louisiana, residents are reporting soot on cars and oily residue in nearby bodies of water.
Winnipeg Free Press
Louisiana governor says there's no sign of 'imminent danger' after fire at auto lubricant plant
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
BREAKING: Evacuation Underway After Plant Explosion Leads To Chemical Rain
A massive explosion ripped through the Smitty’s Supply facility in Tangipahoa Parish on Friday afternoon, forcing evacuations and unleashing oily rain over nearby neighborhoods as emergency crews battled a chemical fire. The blast occurred around 12:50 p.m. at the Smitty’s Supply plant just north of Roseland, Louisiana. Witnesses reported hearing a thunderous boom followed by flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The smoke column …
Employee describes escaping after explosion at Smitty's Supply | News Channel 3-12
By Jasmine Franklin Click here for updates on this story ROSELAND, Louisiana (WDSU) — Jessie Hughes worked at Smitty’s Supply for more than a decade, “There was a lot of people panicking and running around,” Hughes said. Friday is a day he will never forget. “That’s when I noticed that the flames had caught over to the mix tank, the mix tank is where we mix all the oil,” Hughes said. He describes the moments he saw an oil tank on fire, causi…
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