Authorities gave an update Saturday morning on the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, in Tangipahoa Parish.
It happened shortly before 1:00 Friday afternoon at the lubricant manufacturing facility that employs more than 400 people.
Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said it remains a very active scene, and firefighters are very busy.
“We’re still maintaining the one mile radius for evacuation zone,” Miller said at a Saturday morning news conference. “That’s out of an abundance of caution, maybe as much as to let the free flow of workers do what they need to do and not have sightseers come by.”
Among those evacuated were former Gov. John Bel Edwards and his wife.
A family associate reported that they’re safe and monitoring the situation.
A temporary flight restriction is also in effect for a three mile area.
There were several small explosions overnight.
“These are consistent on what has been occurring since the start of this incident and do not present any new or heightened concerns at this time,” said State Police Sgt. William Huggins.
Authorities recommend people avoid contact with any soot from the fire and explosion.
Miller says investigators haven’t even begun to determine what caused the explosion, and he said this could have been much worse.
“No injuries — not just no deaths, no injuries in this event,” said Miller.
Jeanne Burns contributed to this report
