KEY POINTS:
One person was injured in a large explosion at a fertiliser factory in Mt Maunganui today.
The explosion, believed to have been caused by a chemical fire, happened at about 11am.
Fire crews and other emergency services rushed to the scene and people were evacuated from the area.
Inspector Ian Brooker later said: "Police at the scene are confident that all people working at the premises have been accounted for.
"One employee has been treated at the scene by ambulance staff for a minor leg injury."
The Fire Service said it had sent five appliances, including a hazardous materials unit.
The fire was extinguished at about noon.
A shop assistant working near-by said he heard a large bang as the ground shook.
"There's dark grey smoke wafting across the road. A car alarm went off and there's quite a bit of smoke," the man, who did not wish to be named, said.
He said there was no smell of burning in the air as the wind is heading in the opposite direction.
"The wind is not bringing it towards us," but if it had we would have been evacuated," he said.
Streets in the vicinity were closed including the main road, Maunganui Road, between Hewletts Road and Tweed Street.
Mr Brooker said: "Motorists and sightseers are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency services to gain access."
- NZ HERALD STAFF
Were you at the scene? Call us on 09 373 6417 or email your stories and photos
