AKRON, Ohio -- All employees have been accounted for and there are no reported injuries after a fiery explosion Wednesday at Emerald Performance Materials in Akron, officials said.

The company released a statement that said investigators and company officials have not determined what caused the explosion that happened about 1:30 p.m.

"We immediately activated our response protocols, evacuated the plant, notified the fire department and notified regulatory bodies," the statement says. "First responders are on the scene investigating."

Employees were evacuated and taken to the University of Akron Student Union on Carroll Street, where they will be picked up by friends or family. Many workers had to leave personal belongings, like cellphones, behind during the evacuation.

Flames and smoke could be seen in the air as spectators captured the scene and posted in on social media. Officials had to block off several streets downtown and as firefighters responded to the explosion.

Akron police issued an evacuation order for up to half a mile around the West Emerling facility. The evacuation zone included mostly businesses and ended at about 5:30 p.m. when the Akron Fire Department issued an "all-clear."

"I was right next to (the explosion)," said an employee who declined to be identified because workers were told by company officials not to speak with the media. "I think it was one of their tanks. I think a tank exploded. I'm just glad no one is hurt. That's a real amazing thing."

Emerald Performance Materials was founded in 2006 and calls itself a mid-sized specialty chemical company.

"Emerald produces and markets technologically advanced specialty chemicals for a broad range of consumer and industrial application. Emerald products are used in aerospace, food, beverages, cosmetics, toothpaste, household products, paint, automobiles, sports gear and many other applications," according to its website.

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