dispatcher who said people who cannot evacuate should shelter in place right now. courtney zubowski is near the scene. >> reporter: a huge exploding fireball erupted from the chemical plant more than 13 hours after the sudden explosion erupted just after 1:00 a.m. scorching flames lit up the night sky. officials say the blast was felt up to 30 miles away. by sunrise, toxic fumes could be seen for miles. when matt vincent heard the blast, he jumped out of his chair. >> i could see the fire. it shot up in the air about half a mile. it was-- it lit the whole place up. >> reporter: the impact blasted doors off hinges, shattered windows, and sent debris flying through the air. frightened homeowners scrambled for cover. >> it's like the whole house was shaking. kind of like a little mini- earthquake. >> reporter: three workers were treated for injuries. residents from four nearby towns were ordered to evacuate or