Emergency declaration overnight after explosion at Isis Central plant

Residents living up to 50km away from a chemical explosion at a Central Queensland factory have reported hearing the blast and feeling their homes shake, with new pictures showing the extent of the damage at the site.

A man has been rushed to hospital after an explosion at a chemical plant in Central Queensland.

Police made an emergency declaration after the explosion at the Isis Central plant, on Kevin Livingston Drive, at 9.30pm Friday.

The Courier Mail understands the noise and shock of the explosion could be felt 50km away in Woodgate.

Isis Central residents took to social media after hearing a loud bang, with many saying the force of the explosion “shook the whole house”.

Police at the scene of the Isis Central chemical plant where a major explosion occurred on Friday night. Paramedics treated a man for significant head injuries and burns to his face and hands.

“It felt like something hit the house,” one woman wrote on a local community page.

“Weirdest explosion I’ve ever heard! Prayers for the person injured”.

Others thought the noise was a clap of thunder or something had hit their house.

The scene outside Leaf Resources, Isis, following an explosion felt by people in the Childers region on Saturday night.

“Live near the mill … thought it was an owl or a bat that had thwacked the side of the house,” another woman wrote.

“Sorry it wasn’t, hope the injured man is ok.”

It is understood five employees were at site, where wood chips were being manufactured to make turpentine, when the explosion occurred.

Paramedics treated a man for significant head injuries and burns to his face and hands.

He was taken to Bundaberg Base Hospital in a serious condition.

The scene outside Leaf Resources, Isis, following an explosion felt by people in the Childers region on Saturday night.

A spokesman for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said nine crews attended the scene and were able to extinguish the fire by 6am on Saturday.

Police revoked the PSPA at midnight.

Police said at the time of the explosion between 4000-5000 litres of solvents and woodchips were being processed.

Originally published as Emergency declaration overnight after explosion at Isis Central plant