Fireworks factory explosion near Montreal kills 2

[News_Editor]

MONTREAL, CANADA (BNO NEWS) -- At least two people were confirmed dead on Thursday after a fireworks plant blast outside Montreal, Canada, officials said.

The explosion took place on Thursday morning, shortly before 9 a.m. local time at the BEM fireworks factory in Coteau-du-Lac, Québec, triggering a fire that lasted three hours and caused heavy smoke, damage to nearby houses and trees.

Sûreté du Québec Sergeant Joyce Kemp confirmed two deaths, after emergency workers recovered their bodies at around 1 p.m. local time, the Montreal Gazette reported. The identities were not immediately revealed, as they were notifying their relatives. However, reports indicate they were two female BEM employees.

The powerful blast was heard miles away, and witnesses said one of the factory's smaller buildings was lifted into the air before being completely destroyed. The neighboring building also burst into flames, as explosions continued causing thick black smoke. The only building left tanning was the factory's retail store.

Authorities evacuated nearby homes as a safety precaution, but no injuries were reported. In total, fourteen fire departments responded to the emergency, Fire chief Stéphane Massicotte told the media outlet, adding that around 150 firefighters were working at the scene.

The cause of the blast remains uncertain, but the business had been operating since 1970, as investigations were launched. Between 20 to 25 employees worked for the factory.

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