Evacuations In Process After Large Fire Breaks Out Near Houston, TX – One America News Network

November 8, 2023 Stephanie Stahl US 0

A firetruck waits at a roadblock after a chemical plant operated by the Arkema Group had an explosion during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey on August 31, 2017 in Crosby, Texas.
Local emergency officials reported two explosions Thursday at a flooded chemical plant in the Texas town of Crosby, its operators Arkema Inc said. "At approximately 2:00 am CDT (0700 GMT), we were notified by the Harris County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of two explosions and black smoke coming from the Arkema Inc plant in Crosby, Texas," the company statement said.
/ AFP PHOTO / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) — (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

OAN’s Stephanie Stahl
11:11 AM – Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Evacuations are in process after a massive fire broke out at a chemical plant north of Houston, Texas, according to authorities.

HWY 59 is closed in Shepard in both directions from FM1988 to Exit 451B due to an explosion that happened approximately 8:30am this morning. pic.twitter.com/nwQc9UY9dt

— Montgomery County OHSEM (@MCOEM) November 8, 2023

There was an explosion at the plant in the town of Shepherd just after 8 a.m. local time, according to San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers. Shepherd is about an hour north of Houston.

Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in conjunction with several Montgomery County Fire Departments is on site and providing support to San Jacinto County.

— Montgomery County OHSEM (@MCOEM) November 8, 2023

Dark black smoke could be seen billowing from the plant. Capers said flammable liquids and diesel were burning.

Sound Resource Solutions— the owner of the chemical plant— said all employees are accounted for. One worker suffered a minor burn injury. There were 19 employees in the building at the time, Capers said.

A private school with 31 children was evacuated near the plant, according to the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office.

Residents of Livingston, which is located several miles north of Shepherd, are being asked to shelter in place and turn off air conditioning systems until further notice.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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