A powerful explosion at a cocoa butter processing facility in Logan Township sent four workers to the hospital in critical condition Wednesday afternoon, triggering a major emergency response and a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby businesses and residents.
The blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. at the Savita Naturals facility on Heron Drive in the Pureland Industrial Complex, according to officials. The explosion caused heavy fire and a large plume of black smoke that could be seen from nearby highways and surrounding communities.
Emergency crews transported four Savita Naturals employees to Cooper University Hospital, where they were listed in critical condition following the incident. Officials said the blast caused severe damage to the facility, as well as a partial collapse of the one-story building where the explosion occurred.
The force of the explosion was strong enough to be felt several miles away. Smoke from the fire was visible from nearby roadways, including Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 322, drawing a large emergency response from fire departments, hazmat teams, and other agencies across the region.
Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order covering a two-mile radius around the facility shortly after the explosion as emergency crews assessed potential hazards. The advisory remained in effect for more than two hours before officials determined there was no immediate chemical threat to the surrounding community. The order was lifted around 5 p.m.
The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation into the cause of the explosion. Investigators are working with other agencies to review the facility’s operations and determine what triggered the blast.
Savita Naturals operates as a processor of cocoa butter used in chocolate production. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as crews continue assessing damage and examining the circumstances that led to the explosion.
