Chemical Plant Explosion in Italy Spreads Massive Fire

Fire is spread across a 10,000-square-foot area after an explosion at a chemical plant Friday morning that filled the sky above Venice, Italy, with black billowing smoke.

At least two people were injured, fire authorities report via Twitter. An emergency plan governing release of toxic chemicals into the environment has been activated, including a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

Located in the Porto Marghera area on the Italian mainland, the chemical plant is only a few kilometers from the city center.