A huge explosion at a pharmaceutical plant in Quebec, Canada has killed two people and left 19 others injured.
The incident occurred on Thursday at a facility belonging to Neptune Technologies & Bioressources, a life sciences company focused on the development of health products derived from krill oil. There were 65 people in the plant at the time.
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The blast and fire resulted in a cloud of dark smoke around the building, which stemmed from large quantities of acetone stored on site, reports the Canadian Press.
It is unclear what caused the explosion.
Neptune said in a statement that it is providing its employees with counselling services.
Neptune CEO Michel Chartrand said; "As soon as we were notified of the situation, we made our way to Sherbrooke. Upon our arrival, we began working with emergency services to understand what caused this incident. We will continue to closely collaborate with them for as long as it is necessary."
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By GlobalDataNeptune also extended its condolences to the families of the two workers who died.
"We are shocked and stunned by this afternoon’s event. Our thoughts are with the families affected," Chartrand said on Thursday. "Our thoughts are also with all those who were injured as a result of this incident and we sincerely hope that they recover."
The fire was under control by 3.45am EST and health officials said the thick smoke that lingered in the air was not a hazard.
Image: The blast and fire resulted in a cloud of dark smoke around the building, which stemmed from large quantities of acetone. Photo: Courtesy of THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes.
