[kcvl]

That would explain the BLACK SMOKE...rubber products. But, what would explain the explosion?

[Howlin]

Our local news, WRAL, is saying they don't know, but it is NOT a plane.

People may still be inside.

It's right near the Kinston International Jetport (<---hahaha)

[Doctor Stochastic]

You could get an explosion from a natural gas leak or a chemical solvent leak. I would be surprised at a lack of detection preceeding the leak. I suppose coal dust or flour or something similar could also cause such an explosion (but do these exist in a pharmceutical plant?)

There's also the old standby: steam boiler. (I was in a building when the boiler went off. It took out one side of a gymnasium; no injuries.)