A massive explosion at a chemical plant in Georgia caused a huge plume of smoke, and authorities have instructed residents and businesses to shelter in place.

A poisonous plume of chlorine from a manufacturing plant with a history of hazardous incidents led authorities to order tens of thousands of people to evacuate or huddle inside their homes Monday as authorities in the Atlanta area shut down schools and government offices.

People in the northern part of Rockdale County were ordered to evacuate and others were told to shelter in place with windows and doors closed.