Greenville chemical plant explosion prompts temporary shelter-in-place order

An explosion and fire at the Loveland Products chemical plant in Greenville, Mississippi, shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday sent a large plume of black smoke into the air. Preliminary information indicated that the fire involved a herbicide chemical in a hot box, prompting officials to order nearby residents to shelter in place and avoid the area. Multiple fire departments and hazardous-materials teams responded, while state and federal environmental agencies monitored the incident. Officials later said the fire was contained and lifted the shelter-in-place order; no injuries were immediately reported.