A MAJOR blaze has erupted at a chemical plant, sending thick smoke and flames high into the sky as 150 people are forced to evacuate.
Panicked locals have fled their homes as 30 fire engines and over 60 fire personnel arrived to combat intense factory fire in Brazil.
A factory has exploded in Greater São Paulo Credit: x.com/mexicotimes
Firefighters work to extinguish a the blaze at the chemical plant Credit: x.com/mexicotimes
Heavy smoke rises from the factory Credit: x.com/mexicotimes
The blaze erupted from a solvent factory around 3pm Credit: x.com/mexicotimes
It is understood the inferno broke out at a solvent plant in Itaquaquecetuba, Greater São Paulo around 3pm.
Video and images from the scene show giant flames roaring from the factory with plumes of opaque smoke rising over 100ft into the air.
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Officials have confirmed “multiple explosions” have occurred at the scene.
Footage recorded shows a chemical drum launched into the air as extreme pressure builds from the burning materials.
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A large fire burns at a chemical plant in Sao Paulo Credit: AFP
Multiple explosions have occurred at the solvent factory Credit: AFP
Other videos show dense columns of smoke coming from drains as the thick gas it is forced underground.
A video shows a manhole cover exploding from the ground, with local media reporting that the blast knocked a passerby off their feet.
The operation is considered complex as there are 24 solvent tanks in the factory – literally adding fuel to the flames.
Additionally, the fire is concentrated in an industrial area which contains highly volatile products, further increasing the risks of explosions.
Around 150 have evacuated the immediate area Credit: AFP
Over 60 firefighters tackle the blaze Credit: AFP
Sao Paulo’s military fire brigade said: “No record of victims so far.”
It is understood that electricity has been cut in the immediate area and 150 have been evacuated.
The company affected is Quema Química, which produces and markets solvents and polyester resins.
The factory has 24 solvent storage tanks, each with an approximate capacity of 31 cubic meters.
Fire crews continue to tackle the blaze.
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