An explosion has rocked a chemical plant in Jacksonville, Florida, causing a fire that sent flames, debris and billowing clouds of black smoke into the sky. Three people have been killed and 14 others were taken to local hospitals.

The incident happened Wednesday at the T2 Laboratories plant, where the blast sent what was described as a mushroom cloud of smoke across the city. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue spokesman Tom Francis described the scene as, quoting here, a "hellish inferno."

The blast knocked out generating units at an electric utility plant across the state and forced the evacuation of workers from businesses in the area.

T2's web site says the company makes chemical solvents as well as fuel additives.