Explosion At Hopewell Ethanol Plant

The cause of an overnight incident at the Appomattox Bio Energy plant in Hopewell remains under investigation.

Fire crews responded shortly before midnight for reports of an explosion at the facility, which produces ethanol.

Officials said they found a small pool of burning liquid and some fire in nearby ductwork, all of which was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported, and there was no threat to the residents in the region, officials said.

An explosion was heard and felt by residents in the area, many of whom contacted the 8News newsroom.

A spokesperson from Osage Bio-Energy, which owns the plant, could not confirm exactly what happened. They could only confirm there was an "operational incident" at the plant. Osage officials said in a statement: "The plant management activated its emergency response plan. The situation was quickly brought to a safe resolution."

source: wirc