Chemical Plant Blast Kills 2

An explosion at a chemical plant in Northeastern Pennsylvania has killed two people, according to officials on the scene.

The blast rocked the Copperhead Chemical factory outside Tamaqua, Pa., shortly before 8 a.m. ET Tuesday.

Local police told CBS News that the scene was secure and that the circumstances leading to the blast were unknown. They added that the situation was already under investigation.

Local officials say a hazardous materials team from the state police barracks in Reading, Pa., had been called into the site, along with a state police fire marshal.

Police have not released the identities of the victims or said whether they were employees of the plant.

Environmental authorities are also on the scene, but it is yet to be known if there has been any significant damage to the surrounding areas.

The plant is on a private road in a rural area, it's said there is no danger to nearby residents.