There was an explosion at the Imperial Sugar plant, formerly Dixie Crystals, in Chatham County around 7:15 p.m. Thursday. The plant is near Port Wentworth off of Highway 25. Neighbors all across the area felt the explosion. Six employees are currently unaccounted for. There are reports of more than 40 people injuried so far, and no fatalities at this time. 

The explosion happened in a sugar silo room of the plant, an intermediate storage area for the sugar before bagging. About 120 people were working in the plant at the time of the explosion.

Firefighters are still fighting the fire and looking for people in the building. The structure is very unstable due to the extensive fire damage, so firefighters are not able to get inside for safety concerns. They had problems getting the necessary water pressure to fight the fire, so water is being diverted to the area to help. Residents in the Port Wentworth area may notice lower water pressure until the fire is extinguished. Water is also being pumped in from a tugboat nearby on the river.

Savannah-Chatham Police Chief Michael Berkow estimated the number of people injured to be in the mid 40s. He says 36 people have been taken to Memorial Health. Hospital officials says the victims have blast and burn injuries, some very severe, on 80 to 90 percent of their bodies. Eight to ten severely injured patients are being transported in ambulances to the burn center in Augusta for specialized burn would treatment. 3 people are being treated at Candler Hospital. 

Triage areas were set up near the scene at Port Wentworth Elementary at 507 South Coastal Highway and the Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 501 South Coastal Highway in Port Wentworth.

Families are asked to send just one representative to the scene to alleviate anxiety and congestion in the area. Concerned families are being directed to the First Baptist Church, on 25 just down the road from Port Wentworth Elementary. Baymont Inn and Suites in Garden City off Hwy 25 is offering free rooms to any families from out of town waiting for answers about the explosion. The number at the hotel is 912-964-8669.

Emergency personnel and ambulances were brought in from surrounding counties to help. Savannah Inn and Inn at Mulberry Grove is offering free rooms to emergency personnel who are helping with the explosion - call 912-965-9666.

The Savannah River has been closed from the Talmadge Bridge to the Hoolihan Bridge to allow search and rescue efforts and water monitoring by the Coast Guard. There are no reports of people or hazardous materials being found in the water.

City officials tell local residents to, "say your prayers." The CEO of Imperial Sugar, John Sheptor, was in the plant meeting with employees when the explosion occurred. He said the emergency response has been superb and asked for the prayers of the community.

Residents should stay at home and not try to go near the area. Roads are blocked, and bystanders will add to the congestion. Highways 307 and 21 are shut down. There have been no evacuations of residents in the area.

Witnesses are telling News 3 that the explosion shook homes and trucks, and that flames looked several stories high. One viewer saw the flames in Bluffton, S.C. Another viewer in Daufuskie Island resort said it shook the cafe where she was and that she could see the flames.

If you saw anything, email your photos or cell phone video to breakingnews@wsav.com

Watch News 3 video on the main Sugar Plant Explosion page here.