Louisiana Plant & Refinery Lawyers
A massive chemical plant explosion ripped through the Smitty’s Supply Inc. chemical plant in Roseland, Louisiana, on Friday afternoon, forcing a mandatory evacuation within a one-mile radius and leaving firefighters battling an uncontrolled blaze more than 24 hours later.
Flash Fire Erupts at Smitty’s Supply Facility on U.S. 51
At approximately 12:50 p.m. on August 22nd, a powerful flash fire erupted at Smitty’s Supply’s facility near Highway 51 and Highway 10. The blast caused extensive damage to the plant and sent thick black smoke across Tangipahoa Parish.
Locals reported hearing and feeling as many as seven loud blasts during the incident. “You could hear the tanks exploding. Bam, Bam, Bam,” one resident told local affiliate 4WWL.
Despite the volatile nature of the explosion, officials have reported no injuries so far. Families within a mile of the facility — including that of former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards — were ordered to evacuate immediately. Major roads were shut down and students from Roseland Elementary were relocated for their safety.
A shelter was opened at the Amite Community Center to assist displaced residents.
Officials Still Working to Put Out Fire at Roseland, LA Plant
As of Saturday morning, firefighters remained on scene struggling to contain the fire, with smaller explosions continuing to erupt overnight. Parish President Robby Miller described the situation as “a very active scene” and emphasized that the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
“It’s still a very active scene,” Miller said in a Saturday morning press conference. “We know there are a lot of questions, and we are working on the answers. But, most importantly, we are working on getting that fire put out — and then the ability to investigate.”
The cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time.
Chemical Exposure Concerns Mounting for Residents of Roseland
While parish officials have maintained that debris and fire are their immediate concerns, residents remain worried about exposure to toxic chemicals. Black smoke was still visible from Amite, about four miles from the site of the explosion.
State and federal agencies, including the The Louisiana Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), remained active on the scene Saturday. Although no official health alerts have been issued, the evacuation order remains in effect out of what officials call “an abundance of caution.”
Smitty’s Troubling Safety Record
Founded in 1969, Smitty’s Supply Inc. is one of the largest privately-owned manufacturing companies in the nation, employing 450 employees at the Roseland site alone. The company manufactures and distributes auto lubricants and motor oil with contracts that include major brands such Shell, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Chevron, and Castrol.
Companies like Smitty’s have a duty to protect their workers. However, the plant’s recent violations of OSHA and EPA standards show a company that continues to put profits over safety:
- 2020: Employee was struck and killed by a semi-truck
- 2021: Fined over $5,000 after a truck failed to meet safety standards.
- 2024: Paid $250,000 penalty for significant non-compliance regarding oil use, generators, and EPA inspection violations.
Tragically, these types of incidents are almost always preventable. And when companies like Smitty’s put profits over people, it’s workers and entire communities who are often left paying the price.
The only way to hold negligent companies accountable—and to force real change—is by pursuing justice and full compensation on behalf of those harmed.
How Zehl & Associates Stands Up for Industrial Workers & Communities
Our plant and refinery accident lawyers have successfully represented over 1,000 workers injured in connection with the worst industrial explosions and disasters in recent history. For example, we are currently representing workers affected by last year’s deadly Pemex release in Deer Park, Texas, where hydrogen sulfide exposure caused serious health problems. Cases like these show just how far companies will go to avoid responsibility — and why it takes an experienced, undefeated legal team to hold them accountable.
We recently obtained the #1 Largest Burn Injury Settlement in History for a client who suffered third-degree burns to 52% of his body during an oilfield blowout.
One year earlier, our Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers negotiated a $100 Million Settlement in connection with a major plant explosion after defeating attempts to limit our clients to less than $50,000 in Workers’ Compensation benefits.
We are closely monitoring developments in Roseland and remain ready to act on behalf of workers, families, and community members who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals or harmed by the blast. If you begin experiencing symptoms or believe you’ve been affected by the explosion, contact us immediately — you have rights, and we will fight to protect them.
Undefeated Louisiana Plant Explosion Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
Our Plant and Refinery Explosion Lawyers have won Billions for workers and families against the largest oil, gas, and chemical companies in the world. We don’t just level the playing field — we win record-setting verdicts and settlements that force reckless corporations to change the way they operate.
If you or a loved one were injured in the Smitty’s Supply Plant Explosion, contact our Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers for a free consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form.
All consultations are free and confidential, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.