'Critical' Injuries Following Building Explosion In NJ Town, Reports Say

LOGAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — Four people suffered critical injuries following a building explosion in Logan Township on Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple reports.

During a press conference held on Wednesday evening and posted by 6ABC Philadelphia, Mayor Frank Minor said the explosion occurred around 2:30 p.m. at Savita Naturals, a commercial facility that processes cocoa butter for the chocolate industry on Heron Drive.

According to Rebecca Forand, a public information officer for the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, four people from the facility were injured in the explosion and brought to local hospitals in critical condition.

Alongside the four people hurt at the facility, Forand said another person from a nearby facility experienced a medical emergency during the incident and was taken to a local hospital.

“We do know that a large amount of propane is stored on the premises and used for production process,” Forand said. “However, the cause of the explosion is currently under investigation.”

Following the explosion on Wednesday afternoon, a shelter-in-place was ordered for anyone within a two-mile radius of Heron Drive and High Hill Road. It was lifted at 4:45 p.m.

In a call with Patch on Thursday morning, Forand said authorities are still doing a controlled burn of the existing propane at the site.

According to a report from NJ.com, air monitoring in the area showed no hazardous conditions on Wednesday, and the blast from the explosion “could be heard for miles.”

During Wednesday’s press conference, Logan Township Police Chief Joseph Flatley said the explosion is “the largest industrial accident” he can recall in his 25 years working in law enforcement.

“I’ve been briefed on the building explosion in Swedesboro in Gloucester County,” Governor Mikie Sherrill said in an online post. “The New Jersey State Police are on the scene and they're working closely with county emergency management officials and local first responders.”

“We are actively supporting with resource coordination and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of residents and support those impacted,” she continued. “We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Patch has reached out to Mayor Frank Minor, the Logan Township Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office for further information on the explosion.

This story may be updated as additional information becomes available.

Previous Coverage

• Shelter-In-Place Order Lifted In NJ Town Following Building Explosion