Firefighters battle blaze at New Germany cosmetics factory

Fire crews are hard at work in New Germany where there's been an explosion at a chemical factory.

The explosion at Zeta Laboratories occurred before noon.

More than a dozen firefighters are still battling the flames that have engulfed the facility.

At this stage it’s understood 13 people have been taken to hospital.

The blaze has also torched a delivery truch and two other vehicles that were parked near the pedestrian gate.

Employees of the company have assembled at a nearby filling station.

It's understood the company manufactures cosmetics.

Onlookers have gathered near the scene - but police are keeping them at a safe distance.