The explosion reportedly occurred at a facility owned by Saipol, which specializes in producing cooking oils. Local residents have been evacuated from the vicinity, and the authorities have set up a security cordon at 300 meters around the blast site. Emergency responders, including a helicopter, have been deployed to the scene.

Local politician and former mayor of Dieppe Sebastien Jumel confirmed the death of one person, adding that another is missing and several people are in shock, as cited by France Bleu.

The blast took place around 10:30 am local time during routine maintenance at one of the factory's silos, Paris-Normandie reports. The two workers are reportedly subcontractors employed by Saipol. The main six-storey building in the complex was engulfed in flames but the blaze has been brought under control.

The plant reportedly refines crude oil for use in the manufacture of biodiesel, and employs a total of 40 people. The cause of the explosion is still unknown.