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4 Injured In Newark Industrial Warehouse Fire After Explosion

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Four people were injured -- one of whom was missing for hours -- after a fire broke out late Monday afternoon at a warehouse reportedly used by a chemical company in Newark.

As Joe Biermann reported from Chopper 2, the fire broke out at 5:14 p.m. after an explosion at the warehouse at the Boassa America Company, at 80 Doremus Ave. in Newark, near Exit 15E on the New Jersey Turnpike. The blaze was raised to a second alarm.

A whole side of the two- or three-story industrial building collapsed as a result of the explosion, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported. Flames were shooting from the roof and black smoke was pouring into the air.

4 Injured In Newark Industrial Warehouse Fire After Explosion

Four people were injured in the fire, officials told CBS2. Three of the injured people were taken University Hospital in Newark, and the third was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, officials said.

Their conditions were not immediately learned.

One of the injured people taken to University Hospital was missing until finally being found inside at 8:40 p.m., officials said.

The building housed a chemical company, and reportedly housed numerous chemicals as well as propane. Several tanks were also being stored in the area around the building.

Fire crews were told to stand back from the immediate area, but officials said chemicals were not burning.

The first fire truck at the scene mounted the tower ladder raised to keep the firefighters at a safe distance.

The building sustained a partial roof collapse and severe damange.

The cause of the fire was not immediately learned. By 7:20 p.m., the fire was largely knocked down, but was not under control.

Public Service Electric & Gas was also on the scene.

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