[PHOTOS & VIDEOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Police, fire and EMS units responded to an explosion and fire in a fireworks factory located in Moshav Porat, which is situated in the HaSharon Regional Council. Extremely powerful explosions were heard as, as documented in some of the video accompanying this article.

Eleven fire trucks were part of the initial response as a number of homes caught fire as a result of the explosions and subsequent fire. Once the magnitude of the fire and danger were realized, 20 additional trucks were called in to assist in bringing the fire under control. Needless to say, firefighters are limited as far as access to the structure for at least until the explosions cease.

At least four persons were transported to area hospitals with one reportedly in serious condition.

Police have instructed residents in the community to enter their safe rooms for the time being while the community has been shut down, with no one entering or leaving until the situation is brought under control.

1:45PM IL: Firefighters found the remains of a male in the fire. MDA has confirmed this. There is conflicting information about a possible second person who has been missing since the fire began.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Fire Dept. spokesman unit)