Texas Chemical Plant Explosion Leaves 3 Injured

PORT NECHES, TX — At least three people have been injured in a chemical plant explosion early Wednesday morning, according to officials. The blast occurred at a plant operated by the TPC Group in Port Neches, in southeastern Texas.

In a statement, the company said the explosion was reported around 1 a.m. In an update issued at 6:40 a.m. local time, the company said emergency responders were still working to bring the situation under control.

Port Neches police said the explosion caused extensive damage in the city, and they advised residents to stay off the roads near the refineries. The plant makes chemical and petroleum-based products.

Jefferson County Emergency Management coordinator Mike White told the Beaumont Enterprise that five residents were being treated for minor injuries, mostly related to shattered glass.

The Port Neches Fire Department advised residents downwind of the smoke area to shelter in place. The department also warned motorists to not drive through any barricades.

Two employees at the plant and one contractor were injured in the explosion. According to the TPC Group, they were taken to Southeast Texas Regional Medical Center and to Memorial Hermann in Houston for treatment.

"We are focused on their quick recovery and providing support to their families," the company statement said.

Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick told Beaumont TV station KBMT the blast awakened him at his home and that it initially sounded like someone firing a gun into his house.

“When I got out there and grabbed my pistol and ran to the front door, I saw that the front and back door were splintered and wood had flown everywhere ... I could see the flames from the backyard,” Branick said.

The TPC Group said it could not immediately address the cause of the explosion or the extent of the damage.

Reporting and writing from The Associated Press was used in this report.