DERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. --
Firefighters are battling a large blaze at the Keystone Foam Corporation on Route 982 in Derry Township, Westmoreland County.
The plant, which manufactures rubber and miscellaneous plastic products, went up in flames late Thursday morning.
According to officials, employees who were on break noticed flames in the rear of the building and told everyone to get out.
Propane tanks inside the plant began exploding a short time later, sending thick, black smoke into the air, according to WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Jennifer Miele.
According to crews, glue and foam inside the building continue to burn, which is hazardous. Crews said, together, the combination creates hydrogen cyanide.
"I come out on break and I seen smoke behind that trailer," said employee Dawn Guy. "It just came so fast."
Crews have the blaze under control, but they continue to truck water in since the only water line in the area is an 8-inch one.
Officials are keeping people about 100 yards from the plant while firefighters work to extinguish the flames.
Due to the massive amount of smoke, the Department of Public Safety is monitoring air and ground water. So far, they said, everything appears to be clear.
So far, there is no word on what started the blaze.
At this time, no injuries have been reported.
Stay with WTAE Channel 4 Action News for updates.
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