Explosion rocks pharmaceutical factory in Rockland County

An explosion, fire, and interior collapse sent first responders rushing to a vitamin and supplement factory in Rockland County on Wednesday morning.

Clarkstown police said they were notified at around 8:30 a.m. about smoke inside the Vitane Pharmaceutical building on Wells Avenue in Congers.

Video from Chopper 2 shows the damaged entryway and debris scattered across the front of the building.   

There are dozens of homes within 100 yards of the factory. Concerns about hazardous chemicals led police to suggest residents evacuate, although many declined.

"I think we'll be okay. We have Congers Fire and all of Rockland County on the scene and they are the best," resident Pauly Kunz said.

Residents were asked to avoid the area of Wells Avenue and Brenner Drive.

The utility company killed power to the surrounding industrial zone, and several manufacturing facilities had to shut down.

A spokesperson from Vitane Pharmaceutical said the company doesn't manufacture hazardous chemicals or industrial chemical products, adding officials are reviewing the cause of the incident.

There were no injuries reported from the fire or explosion. At least one firefighter was treated for dehydration.