Explosion at Dutch Shell plant injures two

Dutch authorities say a massive explosion followed by a fire at a chemical plant operated by oil giant Shell have injured at least two people near the port city of Rotterdam.

Regional officials said on their Twitter account Wednesday that the blast took place late last night during a shift change.

Jac Klijs, the mayor of Moerdijk where the plant is located, said the two injured suffered minor burns and that they have been taken to hospital for treatment.

According to local media, residents said they heard “two powerful bangs” and the ground “shook like in an earthquake.”

The blast was followed by a huge flame which was visible kilometers (miles ) away.

People living in the surrounding areas of the site were advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed and all road and river traffic was suspended.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately known; however, Klijs said there appeared to have been a leak of either methylbenzene or ethylbenzene.

Anglo-Dutch Shell’s chemical plant outside of Rotterdam produces oil-based chemicals for use, among others, in synthetic fibers, paints and anti-freeze.

Meanwhile, Dutch media reported that this was not the first time a blaze has engulfed the industrial area in Moerdijk. In 2011, another chemical factory was hit by a massive fire that completely razed the facilities.