ROSELAND, La. — Officials have expanded an evacuation zone and shut down roads after a reported explosion Friday morning at the Smitty’s plant near the intersection of Highway 51 and Highway 10 in Roseland.

Emergency responders say the evacuation radius now covers one mile due to concerns about fire and debris, not chemicals. The Tangipahoa Parish Emergency Operations Center continues to assess the situation.

As a precaution, the Office of Homeland Security has recommended the evacuation of Roseland Elementary School. Students are being bused to the Central Office in Amite, where parents and guardians can pick them up.

“The safety of students and staff is at the top of our priority list,” school officials said in a statement. “Please be patient and work with us during this event.”

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