Massive explosion at Quebec factory kills 2

Canadian police confirmed that they found two dead people after a massive explosion that destroyed a Quebec fireworks plant.

10:08 23 June 2013

A massive explosion at BEM Fireworks plant in Coteau-du-Lac killed two people, as of time of writing. The blast occurred Thursday morning flattening at least one building and charring others. The massive blast was followed by fire and more explosions. 

 

Police temporarily closed the town to a nearby highway in both directions. Reportedly, they also evacuated about 40 homes. 

 

Police are yet to identify the two people they’ve found - as of time of writing - but have earlier confirmed that there are two employees who are unaccounted for. 

 

Local fire chief Stephane Massicotte said that it was difficult to stop the fire as the warehouse was filled with pyrotechnics. He told reporters: "This caused a huge amount of flames and very intense heat."

 

There were 150 firefigthers on the scene. Meanwhile, reports on the ground said that there are no fire hydrants in the vicinity. 

 

Mario Cramerstetter, a resident and whose office is just over a mile away from the site said: “All of a sudden, I heard, boom, boom, bang.” 

 

"Initially I thought it was a bulldozer or a tractor but then we saw a big puff smoke. We kept on hearing popping, fireworks going off all the time."