Explosion rocks factory at the Mount

Fire and other emergency services are in attendance at a fertiliser factory in Newton Street, Mt Maunganui following a large explosion and fire.

People have been evacuated from the area and it is not yet known if there have been any injuries.

Streets in the vicinity have been closed including the main road, Maunganui Road, between Hewletts Road and Tweed Street.

Motorists and sightseers are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency services to gain access.