Crews respond to explosion, fire at Houston area-plant; no immediate reports of injuries

Crews respond to explosion at Houston area-plant

SEABROOK, Texas — A fiery explosion Wednesday at an industrial plant in the Houston area shook nearby homes and generated black smoke seen for miles. No injuries were immediately reported.

Dispatcher Christine Peregrino of the Pasadena Fire Department said firefighters were responding to a “small, contained fire” reported shortly before 9 a.m. She had no further details.

Live TV coverage showed gaping holes in a tank at an industrial complex. Debris could be seen near mangled, blackened equipment.

Fire Marshal David Brannon said nearby residents were urged to remain in their homes as authorities try to identify any chemicals involved in the explosion.

April Newberry, who lives a half-mile from the site, told KTRK-TV that she heard a loud boom, “all of the houses shook and everybody went out in the street to see what happened.”

The Clear Creek Independent School District instructed everyone on the campuses of its 28 schools in the area to stay indoors, with the air conditioning and heating units turned off.