A powerful explosion ripped through an industrial complex in Logan Township, New Jersey, on Wednesday afternoon, leaving four people critically injured and sending shockwaves through surrounding communities.
Blast Reported at Cocoa Butter Processing Facility
The explosion occurred around 2:30 p.m. at Savita Naturals, a commercial facility inside the Pureland Industrial Complex in Swedesboro. Officials say the company processes cocoa butter used in the chocolate industry.
Authorities confirmed that a large amount of propane is stored at the facility and used during processing operations. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The blast happened inside the one-story manufacturing building and resulted in partial structural collapse. Emergency responders described the scene as a heavy fire with extensive damage to both the facility and a neighboring building.
Multiple Critical Injuries, Emergency Response Mobilized
Four individuals were transported to nearby hospitals:
- Three were taken to Cooper University Hospital, including two trauma patients
- One was transported to a hospital in Philadelphia
Officials initially believed more people may have been injured, but later clarified the total number of patients directly related to the explosion was four. Additionally, one person suffered a medical emergency during the emergency response and was also hospitalized.
Authorities confirmed that everyone who was inside the building at the time of the explosion has been accounted for.
Shelter-in-Place Order Issued, Then Lifted
A shelter-in-place order covering a two-mile radius around Heron Drive and High Hill Road was issued shortly after the explosion. The order remained in place for nearly two hours before being lifted just before 5 p.m.
However, the 600 block of Heron Drive remains closed as crews continue operations.
Fire and hazmat teams stayed on scene to monitor the controlled burn-off of additional fuel products. So far, officials report that no hazardous materials have been detected, but air quality monitoring is ongoing as a precaution.
Police officials reassured residents that there are no ongoing public safety threats.
Witnesses Describe a Terrifying Moment
Employees and residents across the area reported feeling the blast.
David Elze, who works in a nearby building, said he and his coworkers immediately felt the shockwave.
“Everybody walked outside to see what happened. We thought lightning struck the building. Then we saw smoke,” he said.
He added that flames appeared to reach approximately 30 feet into the air — towering above nearby 24-foot-tall industrial buildings.
Will Verity, another nearby worker, described ceiling tiles falling and the floor shaking inside his office.
“It was crazy. We went outside because we didn’t know what happened,” he said.
Eric Brunhammer, who works less than a mile away, said it felt like something slammed into his building.
“It literally sounded like something crashed into the wall,” he said. “Then the lights flickered and everyone ran outside.”
Residents reported similar experiences. Social media users shared Ring camera footage capturing the loud boom, while others said their homes shook from the blast. One local resident posted a video showing his dog jumping in alarm at the sound of the explosion.
Governor Briefed, Investigation Ongoing
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said she had been briefed on the situation and that state officials are actively coordinating resources to support those impacted.
Local police described the explosion as one of the largest industrial accidents in recent memory in the township.
As investigators work to determine what triggered the blast, emergency crews remain at the site managing fire suppression and structural safety.
Officials continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as the situation develops.
