The names of the victims and the company or companies they worked for were not released immediately.
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Williams was the owner of a chemical plant where a person was killed and 73 other people were injured in Geismar in Ascension Parish in June 2013.
The explosion erupted about 11 a.m.at a facility owned by the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Co., a subsidiary of Williams Partners, a major natural gas supplier.
The facility was not operational at the time of the incident, and gas was not flowing through the pipeline system when the explosion occurred. The company said service to its customers had not been interrupted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families at this very critical time”, said Warren Toups, Williams operations manager.
Company officials’ initial assessment of the incident determined it does not appear to be a natural gas pipeline rupture.
Residents living along the 4700 block of Bayou Black Drive are advised to evacuate or stay inside of their homes, the Terrebonne Sheriff’s Office said.
The road to the plant will remain closed until further notice.
Authorities also blocked access to the plant while firefighters and first-responders cleared the scene and administered medical aid.
The school enrolls about 190 students in grades pre-kindergarten through six.
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“There is no danger and no need for evacuation of surrounding area”, Harrell said.
