A chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, experienced a catastrophic explosion on Wednesday morning, resulting in a massive fireball and prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents within a one-mile radius of the Sound Resource Solutions complex. The San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management later confirmed that the shelter-in-place has been lifted and reduced to a one-mile radius after a thorough assessment of the scene.
The blast occurred around 8:17 a.m. at Sound Resource Solutions, located along U.S. Highway 59 in Shepherd, a city situated approximately 60 miles northeast of Houston. According to FOX26 Houston, one person suffered first-degree burns to the face and second-degree and third-degree burns to the arms. The injured individual is currently receiving treatment at the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
Fortunately, there were no other reported injuries among the 19 employees who were present at the time of the explosion. Initially, a 5-mile shelter-in-place order was issued, but it was later reduced to a 1-mile radius as emergency officials assessed the situation. The explosion also resulted in the evacuation of a nearby private school on FM 1127.
Eyewitnesses captured photos and videos showing a massive black plume of smoke billowing from the plant, which caused concern among nearby residents and businesses. Authorities directed them to shelter in place and turn off HVAC systems as a precautionary measure.
The cause of the explosion and the specific chemical involved are yet to be determined. Sound Resource Solutions president, Geoff Harfield, referred to the incident as a “forklift incident,” but further investigations are required to confirm this. Polk County Emergency Management noted that the plume of smoke appeared to be heading towards the Livingston area and advised residents along U.S. Highway 59 from Goodrich to Leggett to shelter in place and turn off HVAC systems.
The Texas Department of Transportation announced the closure of U.S. Highway 59 from FM 1988 to Exit 451B, allowing emergency responders to effectively manage the situation. At this time, the effects of the chemical in the air remain unknown, and authorities are working diligently to gather more information.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with chemical plants and the importance of swift emergency response measures to protect both human lives and the environment.
