The Associated Press
DANVERS, Mass. — An explosion that could be felt several miles away sparked a massive fire and destroyed several Danversport homes and businesses, and forced evacuations early this morning. Many people had been evacuated from the area, and several people were being treated at local hospitals, but there were no reports of fatalities as of 6 a.m.
The explosion occurred just before 3 a.m. in an area that includes a chemical plant and a propane storage facility on Water Street (Route 35) in Danvers. The site is near the Danvers River not far far from the Peabody line.
Firefighters from several area communities responded to the fire.
One witness told the AP that the explosion broke a window in his home broke and knocked some frames off the walls. He said when he looked out his window and the “whole sky was flaming,” and his first thought was that a plane had crashed.
Other neighbors said they thought there had been an earthquake, and one compared the scene to footage of the Blitz in London during World War II. One resident said the explosion knocked him out of his chair.
Buildings are silhouetted in orange flames and smoke and police are barring anyone from approaching the area, including people who have relatives who live near the facility.
People who live near the area were being evacuated to local schools.