Ammonia Leak Follows Explosion at Mississippi Fertilizer Plant in Yazoo City
An explosion occurred at the CF Industries plant north of Yazoo City, Mississippi, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The explosion resulted in a release of anhydrous ammonia, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders for residents in the immediate area.
Incident Summary
According to news reports, the incident began in the afternoon. A resident living approximately a half-mile from the facility reported hearing a sound like a "sonic boom" and observing a large plume of gray smoke. First responders were dispatched to the scene to manage the anhydrous ammonia leak.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that emergency crews responded to the incident. CF Industries, the plant's owner, stated that all employees and contractors on-site were accounted for and that no injuries had been reported. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality began air monitoring operations in the area.
Facility Description
The incident occurred at the CF Industries Yazoo City Complex. The facility is a manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products, primarily for fertilizer. According to reports, the complex includes an ammonia plant, four nitric acid plants, and has the capacity to store approximately 48,000 tons of ammonia.
Speculation on Potential Cause
The specific cause of the explosion has not been released by officials. The description of a "sonic boom" could suggest a sudden, high-energy event, such as the catastrophic failure of a pressurized vessel or piping. Because the explosion was followed by an ammonia leak, it is possible the failure originated in equipment associated with the anhydrous ammonia process, such as a reactor, a heat exchanger, or a storage tank. Such failures can be initiated by over-pressurization, corrosion, material defects, or operational errors.
Sources
The Independent: Explosion at Mississippi chemical plant causes ammonia leak, evacuations
WBRZ: Mississippi officials responding to ammonia leak at plant by Yazoo City, residents asked to evacuate
Las Vegas Sun News (AP): Explosion at Mississippi hydrogen and nitrogen product manufacturer causes ammonia leak, evacuations