Nobody was hurt when when the Emerald Performance Materials chemical plant in South Akron blew up yesterday, sending smoke and flames high into the sky, and triggering the evacuation of nearby homes and businesses.

Akron Fire officials gave residents the green light to return home by about 5:30 last evening, and even though the chemical which blew up--Butadiene--is toxic, they said it was safe to return to the area, and there was no indication the fire and explosion posed a health risk.
Butadiene is used in the manufacture of rubber, and other industrial products.

No word yet, as to what caused that explosion.