Explosion averted at fertiliser factory

A potential explosion has been avoided after pressure was released from an overheated boiler at a fertiliser factory south of Napier this morning.

The incident forced the evacuation of the factory and some of the surrounding area and closed State Highway 2 for several hours.

Emergency services were put on standby at the Ravensdown Fertiliser factory at Awatoto shortly after 6am, central fire communications shift manager Murray Dunbar said.

The boiler was thought to be in an "explosive state" but was vented by site engineers.

"The pressure had been released and we came away shortly after 7am, Mr Dunbar said.

State Highway 2 between Clive and Te Awa Avenue reopened about 9am.

- NZPA