Three people have been injured, one of whom critically, in an explosion at a plastic recycling plant in Reus (Tarragona).

The blast occurred shortly before 9.40am at premises belonging to the Soluciones Jema SL company on the Camí de la Pedrera del Cobic, destroying two plastic drums outside the main building, and causing a fire that consumed two pallet loads of product.

The emergency services initially alerted two schools located nearby, warning teachers to keep pupils inside with the doors and windows closed until around 11am when it was confirmed that the resulting smoke was not toxic.

The most seriously injured of the victims has been airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Barcelona while a second worker is being treated at a local health centre.

A third man was given the all-clear after receiving treatment at the scene.