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No deaths were immediately reported and there was no word on what caused the blast on Thursday night at the Imperial Sugar factory, which occurred in an area known as the "bagging plant," officials said.

Authorities still searched for victims more than two hours later.

Sgt Mike Wilson, spokesman for the Savannah-Chatham County police, reported an unconfirmed number of injuries, "well over 50 to 100 at this point."

Dr Jay Goldstein of Memorial University Medical Centre said 30 to 35 patients were being treated, all in critical condition.

Candler Hospital reported three patients in serious condition.

A triage centre was set up at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Port Wentworth where Savannah-Chatham police Major Gerry Long said 28 had been sent on to hospitals.

"They are still looking for and bringing people out," she said.

Coast Guard Lt Cmdr Kevin Lynn said shipping was shut down on the Savannah River while the waterway was searched for potential victims.

"It's a large facility and there is still a significant amount of fire," said Clayton Scott, assistant director of the Chatham County Emergency Management Agency.