At least 5 hurt after building explosion in Logan Township: officials

At least 5 hurt after building explosion in Logan Township: officials

An explosion occurred at the Savita Naturals building in Logan Township, Gloucester County on Wednesday, Gloucester County Emergency Management says. According to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, at least five people were injured.

LOGAN TWP., Pa. - Five people were hurt in a building explosion in Gloucester County on Wednesday afternoon that could be felt miles away.

What we know:

Officials say the explosion happened around 2:30 p.m. at the Savita Naturals building on Heron Drive in Logan Township.

Multiple fire crews were dispatched to the scene and began tackling the remnants of the explosion which left extensive damage to the building.

Several critically injured after building explosion in Logan Twp.

Gloucester County officials provided an update Wednesday afternoon after an explosion occurred at the Savita Naturals building in Logan Township, New Jersey leaving at least five people injured. Here's what we know.

Officials say Savita Naturals processes cocoa butter for the chocolate industry, and a large amount of propane is stored on the premises. 

Residents and businesses located within a two-mile radius of Heron Drive and High Hill Road were told shelter-in-place. That order was lifted at around 4:50 p.m.

In an update, Gloucester County officials say four people were taken to the hospital in critical condition and another person was escorted to a nearby hospital after experiencing a medical emergency. 

The community has been deemed safe as there are no reported ongoing hazards, officials say. Firefighters remained at the scene of the explosion to monitor air quality and a burn off of additional fuel products stored on-site, according to officials.

What they're saying:

Eyewitnesses told FOX 29’s Alex George they felt the blast from several hundred feet away, with one person initially thinking a car had crashed into the building. 

Another eyewitness said the entire behavioral health clinic nearby shook, TVs went dark and people evacuated in a panic.

An eyewitness said he called 911 after seeing someone emerge from the building on fire. 

Coworkers reportedly helped the injured person by removing their clothing so they could receive medical care. 

Emergency crews, including hazmat teams, are on scene working to contain the fire, assess the situation and monitor the air quality.

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. 

Check back for more updates.

Editor's note: Camden County IAFF Local 3249 previously reported at least six people were injured and transported to Cooper University Hospital.