Of all the factories you wouldn't want to catch fire, a gunpower manufacturing plant would very likely be toward the top of the list.

A perfect example showing why occurred at a gunpowder factory in Tenjo, Colombia, over the weekend with explosions sending up dramatic plumes of smoke and sparks.

Those nearby screamed with each explosion coming from the plant. (Image via YouTube video screenshot)

Hundreds of firefighters rushed to the area and three people were reportedly killed. (Image via YouTube video screenshot)

There were a few huge blasts from the gunpowder plant, which shook and damaged nearby buildings in Tenjo. (Image via YouTube video screenshot)

One local identified as Mr. Rivera reportedly said the first explosion was mild, followed by a second stronger blast.

"They were great pillars of fire," Rivera said.

Many nearby took video of the scene.

Check out this video to see  the booming explosions:

This footage shows the glass shattering in a nearby building after one of the plant's explosions (notice too the cattle running in fear across the field at 0:40):

This video pulls together several different angles from the stunning explosion:

More than 300 firefighters battled Saturday's blaze, according to Caracol Radio (translated via Google Translate).

"We are awaiting the arrival of more tankers and aspire that afternoon remains controlled," Ivan Dario Valenzuela, commander of the Cundinamarca, told the radio station Saturday shortly after the explosion.

El Espectador later reported that three people were killed in the blast. Other buildings nearby were damaged by shockwaves from the explosion.

(H/T: io9)

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