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SHERBROOKE, Que. — An explosion and fire at a plant has seriously injured four people and produced a dark cloud of potentially toxic smoke Thursday.

The incident occurred at a facility belonging to Neptune Technologies & Bioressources, which produces and exports health products.

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A Sherbrooke police spokesman said the explosion led to a fire, which produced clouds of smoke that authorities were monitoring for toxicity.

Police confirmed four people were seriously injured but couldn’t say if their lives were in danger.

It’s unclear what caused the blast.

Within minutes, police said, employees were evacuated from the facility and supervisors performed a head count outdoors.

Police then set up a security perimeter. People are advised to avoid the area, in an industrial park, because of the potentially dangerous smoke.

Thick black plumes were seen rising from the facility.