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Explosion at chemical plant leaves employee with 3rd degree burns on 90% of his body

This is what we know right now.

SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — Two people were hurt after a reported explosion at a chemical manufacturer in Orchard Hill, Georgia, officials confirm.

According to a source, it happened at the ARI facility at 2523 South McDonough Road around 4:25 p.m.

Officials believe it happened in the facility's mixing room, and may have involved acetone. The explosion left one person with third degree burns over 90 percent of his body. The other employee was not hurt as severely.

Spalding County Deputy Fire Chief said the fire was mostly out when fire crews arrived to the scene, but severe weather in the area prevented Spalding County's medical helicopter to transport the two injured people.

First responders rushed the burn patient to Grady Hospital burn unit. They took the second to the Spalding Regional Hospital.

Officials have since evacuated the building. The Griffin Fire Department confirms it is an "all hands on deck" situation.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but initial reports from fire crews on scene seem to indicate that the substance being mixed required the machine to be grounded, a crucial step the employee may not have done.

Officials are continuing to gather information and expect to release more details later.

According to the company's website some of the products ARI produces are bug repellents and aerosol sanitizers.

11Alive has crews on the way to the scene and will update the story as more details develop.

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