Explosion, Fire Reported at Novelis Plant in Greensboro, Ga

A large explosion happened at the Novelis aluminum plant in Greensboro, Ga., which shook homes as far as several miles away about 5 p.m. Sunday, residents across Greene County. Residents reported seeing a thick plume of black-and-white smoke rising from the area of the plant, a major employer in the country, and a supplier to the Coca-Cola company for their aluminum cans.

What Officials Have Said About Novelis Explosion

Authorities said Sunday evening that the fire remained active and urged the public to avoid Willow Run Road, which was closed to through traffic. Officials said there was no immediate threat to nearby homes or other structures, and no injuries had been reported as of the latest update.

FOX 5 Atlanta reported that officials said a dust explosion caused the fire and that no injuries or fatalities had been reported. Authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage Sunday evening.

What Remains Unknown

Social media posts claimed the explosion happened during a shift change, but that detail had not been independently confirmed. While some residents are wondering if they heard similar sounds earlier in the day, at one point hearing a fast-moving helicopter flying above their house. 

Updated Novelis Explosion Information

Updated March 2, 2026

Officials later said the explosion originated in the plant’s stack house, a filtration system at the back of the building, which led to smaller fires breaking out on the conveyor belts inside the facility. All 16 employees who were on-site were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Authorities said Sunday evening that the fire remained active and urged the public to avoid Willow Run Road, which was closed to through traffic for several hours. Officials said there was no immediate threat to nearby homes or other structures, though one resident did say the shock wave from the explosion cracked two windows at his home. Emergency crews remained on scene to contain hotspots and manage heavy smoke.

Air quality testing was conducted around the plant and nearby businesses, and officials said no environmental hazards to the public were found. Willow Run Road later reopened after the shutdown, although authorities urged drivers to use caution in the areas because emergency personnel were still on scene in case more assistance was needed.

Authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage Sunday night, and Novelis said in a public statement to Fox 5 Atlanta:

“We are thankful there were no injuries to employees or first responders. We are currently assessing the situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

Some residents have said that there was significant structural damage to the facility, but that has yet to be confirmed by authorities or Novelis.