BREAKING: Plant explosion in Jefferson County rocks homes for miles
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Explosion rocks Jefferson County.
We're getting more information on where an explosion and fire originated.
County Judge Jeff Branick says his emergency management coordinator is reporting to him it is the TPC plant off Highway 366 in Port Neches, once known as Neches Butane.
County Judge Jeff Branick says there are no reports of any fatalities and only three people with injuries He calls that a miracle. One worker suffered burns and was taken by medical helicopter to a Houston hospital. Another sustained a fractured wrist and a third sustained a fractured leg. One of those victims was treated and released. He says all workers are accounted for.
There is damage reported to homes and even a school in the area.
Callers tell us it broke windows and could be felt miles away at about 1 a.m.
The plant produces butadiene and raffinate.
Butadiene is a colorless has used to make synthetic rubber and plastics, and to make other chemicals.
Raffinate is the residual product left after a reforming process. It’s also a colorless gas.
As a precautionary action Orange County Judge John Gothia is calling for a shelter in place south of I-10 until 6 am due to the explosion at the TCP plant in Port Neches and the East Northeast wind direction carrying a chemical plume. Shelter in Place means to stay inside, close windows, turn fans and air conditioning units off.
In a press conference with TDC officials, Troy Monk asked everyone to not-touch any debris you feel is contaminated. Call the hotline to have it evaluated and cleaned up.
TDC has established a hotline to report damage 866-601-5880.
A shelter is open at First Baptist Church in Nederland.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM TPC:
At approximately 1:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, November 27 an explosion was reported at the TPC Group Port Neches Operations site located at 2102 TX-136 Spur, Port Neches, TX 77561 involving a processing unit.
TPC Group has activated its Emergency Response Plan and requested assistance from Port Neches Fire Department and Huntsman. The event is ongoing but will be brought under control as quickly and safely as possible.
At this time, personnel at the site have been evacuated. We have accounted for all site personnel and three personnel have sustained injuries and are being treated.
Right now our focus is on protecting the safety of responders and the public and minimizing any impact to the environment.
More information will be updated as soon as it is available.
