UPDATE 7:30 p.m. — The plant is expected to be open for operation Sunday.
UPDATE 4:30 p.m. — According to Evonik, a railcar containing hydrogen peroxide was involved in an accident around 2:00 p.m.
Mobile Fire-Rescue Department dispatched multiple units at 2:36 p.m., including a HAZMAT team, to be on standby as Evonik worked to get the situation under control.
The company says safety is their top priority, and no serious injuries were reported. The cause of the accident will be investigated.
We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.
ORIGINAL STORY:
THEODORE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — An explosion has been reported at the Evonik Industries chemical plant in Theodore sometime after 2:00 p.m.
A large smoke cloud was visible from across Mobile Bay. Multiple calls came in and first responders were dispatched to the plant.
Evonik’s Theodore plant is the company’s largest in North America. They are involved in the production of chemical products for a variety of industries.