A massive explosion at a petroleum processing plant in Texas has caused authorities to evacuate residents and issue a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area.
Videos of the explosion show huge plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
Initial reports indicated that the building that exploded was a chemical plant.
The Precinct 2 Constable of San Jacinto County later confirmed that the building was a petroleum processing plant in Shepard, Texas.
However, Polk County officials told NBC News that an evacuation order was issued before the full risks could be evaluated.
“At this time, the effects of the chemical in the air are unknown,” officials told the network.
WATCH:
Smoke from the explosion is reportedly heading in the direction of Livingston, Texas.
BREAKING: Massive explosion at a chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, residents ordered to shelter pic.twitter.com/7csSMETw7S
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) November 8, 2023
Several videos of the explosion were shared on social media:
🚨 FOOTAGE – JUST IN: Huge Explosion in Chemical Plant in Shepherd, Texas
Shelter-in-Place Order
Smoke seen over miles
Source: ABC pic.twitter.com/B63eTRvbZP
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 8, 2023
Big explosion at a chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas. pic.twitter.com/pQ9bC2aLOs
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 8, 2023
A massive fire at a chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, is prompting evacuations as smoke fills the sky https://t.co/tOTeP2fxjypic.twitter.com/HzLWycN8Q0
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 8, 2023
At least one worker was reported injured during the blast.
The explosion resulted in a monstrous and toxic fire.
The explosion and subsequent chemical blaze took place at the Sound Resource Solutions facility.
The petroleum processing plant is roughly 60 miles north of Houston in Jacinto County.
A source told ABC 13 News that a 1,000-gallon propane tank sits in the middle of the fire.
Various highly flammable toxic chemicals and materials are used at the plant.
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