Residents of Morehead City, NC are under non-mandatory evacuation orders this morning due to the apparently accidental rupture of nine shipping containers of PETN at the port there. Those who choose not to evacuate are urged to stay away from windows and doors due to the explosive nature of the substance. In addition, the main roads into and out of Morehead City are closed, according to mayor Jerry James.
The port of Morehead City is closed while further investigation is being done. At this time no injuries are reported and there is no leakage of the PETN affecting the ground or water in the area.
PETN is the highly explosive substance used to bring down the PanAm flight over Lockerbie, Scotland as well as that found in the drawers of the "underwear bomber".
Further updates as they are available.
link to WRAL News
Update: A group from the nearby Cherry Point Marine Base is on site and things are contained.
Update 2: No port employees involved, investigation continuing.
Update 3: A forklift punctured a container, according to Mike Burton, Marine spokesman.
Update 4: Mayor of Morehead City says "being an international port, we handle highly explosive material all the time." A 300-yard safety zone has been established to exclude any vessels operating any closer.