Four die in Fla. chemical plant explosion

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Authorities report at least four people died and as many as 21 others were injured in a chemical plant explosion Wednesday in Jacksonville, Fla.

The blast destroyed T2 Laboratories Inc., an industrial building. Witnesses reported the area resembled a war zone after debris shot several stories into the air, The Florida Times-Union reported.

"In all seriousness, the explosion was four stories high," Chris Parrish told the Jacksonville newspaper. He was working in the industrial complex when he said he heard a hiss then an explosion.

The blast site is the main office of T2 Laboratories Inc., which makes turpentine-based solvents, the company's Web site said.

Officials closed highways around the site and evacuated residents within a half-mile radius.

Flying material forced people working across the street to duck for cover.

"You saw pieces of pipe 20 feet long (fly) across the street and through the ceiling. If there was somebody in there pray for them," said Tony Padrigan.

Another witness said the event reminded him of Vietnam.

"It was like napalm in the morning," said Howie Gipson. "Stuff was still blowing up when I left there."