An overnight explosion at a St. Joseph plant could have been much worse.  That's according to emergency responders who rushed to AG Processing, Inc. on 900 SW Lower Lake Boulevard around 3:20 a.m. Friday.  People across the city reported hearing a thunderous roar and feeling the ground rumble as far away as Frederick Avenue and North Woodbine Road, about eight-miles from the plant.

As many as 30-employees were at work inside the plant when authorities said a hydrogen tank exploded.  Firefighters worked quickly to contain flames, calming fears about a possible secondary explosion. 

In a press release issued to KQ2 News from the Omaha, NE-based company, AGP said "the plant had been shut down for routine maintenance and was in the early stages of starting up at the time of the incident."  No injuries were reported, and damage is contained to the hydrogen plant storage area.

"AGP safety and engineering team personnel are working with the local authorities to identify the cause of the incident," said Mike Maranell, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Member Relations.  "Soy processing and refining operations are expected to resume later today."

A press conference is schedule for 8:00 a.m. at St. Joseph City Hall.  Stay tuned to KQ2 and the StJoeChannel.com for updates.