Fireballs and black smoke rise behind some of the research station cages for primates Tuesday afternoon after an explosion and a series of blasts at Multi-Chem Corp.

New Iberia, La. – A steady stream of emergency vehicles flooded West Admiral Doyle Drive in New Iberia as emergency personnel responded to a huge chemical explosion shortly before 4 p.m. today.

As of 6:10 p.m., no injuries were reported after the first explosion and ensuing blasts at 3401 W. Admiral Doyle Drive, listed as Multi-Chem Corp. A Louisiana State Police Troop I spokesman said no one has been taken to a hospital by Acadian Ambulance.

Trooper Stephen Hammons said the cause of the explosion is unknown. He also said at the time officials believe the smoke should not cause respiratory problems.

Capt. Ryan Turner, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said the IPSO is requesting people within a 1-mile radius around Acadiana Regional Airport to evacuate the area and urged New Iberia residents to stay inside their home, close the doors and turn off the air conditiong until further notice. Deputies in their vehicles drove through the evacuation zone and people were seen leaving.

An evacuation center has been established by the Red Cross at Cyr-Gates Community Center.

Hammons said no time has been set for the evacuees to return safely to their home.

Acadiana Regional Airport’s control tower closed at approximately 5:30 p.m. The landing strip is open, a spokesman said, but pilots have been instructed they are landing at their own risk.

A Federal Aviation Administration official could issue a temporary flight restriction, said Jason Devillier, director of the Acadiana Airport Authority. But the airport remained open just before 6 p.m., Devillier said.

A witness said the initial explosion sounded like thunder when it happened. Explosions, with fire rising above the treeline, could still be heard at 4:20 p.m., she said.

Billowing dark gray and white smoke from the explosion was reported being seen from as far away as the Port of Iberia. Helicopters were flying overhead, one woman reported.

A spokesman for Multi-Chem Group in Houston said the company was gathering information on what happened, the Associated Press reported. The company blends oilfield production chemicals, the AP said.

Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies blocked westbound vehicular traffic on Admiral Doyle Drive at Hopkins Street and also closed Louisiana 182 on the western side of New Iberia.

A command post for emergency officials has been set up at Lowe’s at U.S. 90 and Louisiana 14. Louisiana State Police officials reported they are in charge of the response efforts and investigation.