An explosion rocked a New Iberia, La., chemical plant Tuesday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of nearby businesses and homes, but it didn't cause deaths or serious injuries, local authorities and company officials said.

The explosion occurred at 3:50 p.m. CDT at a facility owned by Multi-Chem Group LLC in a commercial corridor adjacent to the Acadiana Regional Airport. The area is about 130 miles west of New Orleans.

Capt....