
Yazoo County officials have lifted evacuation and shelter-in-place orders for those near the CF Industries, an ammonia plant just north of Yazoo City. The order followed an ammonia leak at the facility Wednesday evening.
Yazoo County Emergency Manager Jack Willingham said he wasn’t sure what caused an explosion that led to the leak, but said there was no fire from the burst. No injuries or deaths occurred from the event, he said, and all roads are back open after initial diversions on U.S. 49.
“My building’s a mile away, and I could feel it shake,” Willingham said. “And when I walked outside you could see the huge plume. But there was no fire I’m aware of.”
The county lifted the evacuation order, he added, around 1 a.m. on Thursday. About 15 families who live along Renshaw and Generette Roads needed to evacuate, Willingham said. The shelter order applied to everyone living north of 15th Street in Yazoo City.
Gov. Tate Reeves posted on social media around 9 a.m. Thursday that the shelter-in-place order was still in effect, but posted shortly after that it had been lifted.
Air quality levels were safe in the area as of about 6 a.m. Thursday, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality said. The agency said it will continue to monitor air levels through the day.
Willingham said he was waiting to hear from CF Industries officials about what caused the explosion.
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