Gov. Tate Reeves has lifted a shelter-in-place order that was issued Wednesday after an explosion and chemical leak at an ammonia plant in Yazoo City.
Reeves announced Thursday morning that residents can safely stop emergency measures and resume normal activities with air monitor readings trending downward. Some residents living closer to CF Industries on U.S. 49 were asked to evacuate after the explosion at the plant happened around 4:25 p.m. Others in the area were asked to stay home and not leave until officials could ensure safety.
Reeves said no injuries or deaths have been reported and traffic controls in the area have been lifted.
“Our top priority is the safety of Mississippians,” he wrote on social media.
CF Industries also confirmed Thursday morning that the incident had bee “contained” and all employees and contractors have been accounted for. The facility’s ammonia plant remains in operation with no ammonia storage tanks being affected, according to the company.
Both CF Industries and Reeves credited a long list of state and local agencies, as well as those in the private sector, for working together on response efforts.
“We want to thank state and local first responders and the Yazoo City community for their support as we responded to this incident,” said Scott Tassin, the general manager of CF Industries’ Yazoo City Complex. “Our primary focus will always be the safety of our employees, contractors, and the community where we live and work.”
