One dead and more than 30 injured in explosion at New York cosmetics factory

Firefighters attending the blaze were caught in a second blast
AP
Tom Powell21 November 2017

A worker has been killed and more than 30 people injured following two explosions at a cosmetics factory in New York.

The first explosion occurred at around 10.15am local time (15.15 GMT) at the Verla International factory in New Windsor.

But while firefighters were responding to the blaze which followed, a second explosion occurred at around 10.40am.

Police said: "A deceased male employee was recovered from the plant fire at approximately 7.40pm."

Firefighters at the scene of the factory fire in New Windsor
AP

Seven firefighters were among the 35 people being treated, Newburgh Town Supervisor George Green said.

"It's still an active fire scene," Mr Green said, adding that the flames were "knocked down pretty well at this point".

Footage from the scene showed thick, black smoke rising from a section of the roof of the facility, which includes manufacturing and warehouse buildings.

35 people were injured in the explosions on Monday
AP

The cause of the explosions is under investigation.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said state emergency response teams have been sent to the factory.

It is located about half a mile from the town hall and police station in New Windsor, on the Hudson River's west bank, 55 miles north of New York City.

The 37-year-old company's website says the products it makes include nail polish, perfumes, lotions and other products.

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