Explosion in Port Neches shakes homes in Orange County
Published 1:11 am Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
An explosion at TPC in Port Neches in Jefferson County shook houses well into the City of Orange at approximately 1 a.m. Wednesday.
The explosion was felt in Sulphur, Louisiana according to one person.
Shattered windows, broken doors and collapsing roofs have been reported near the site of the major explosion.
Smoke from the explosion is in Bridge City.
First responders on the scene have been told to move back as more explosions are anticipated.
Areas near the location are being evacuated according to a photojournalist on the scene.
As a precautionary action Orange County Judge John Gothia called for a shelter in place south of Interstate 10 until 6 a.m. 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.
At least three people were injured in the explosion.
TPC said in a news release that all site personnel have been accounted for and evacuated from the site.
TPC said the explosion involved a processing unit and requested assistance from Port Neches Fire Department and Huntsman. The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
TPC Group, according to its website, delivers a “diverse range” of products to chemical and petroleum-based companies worldwide and claims to be “the largest independent processor of crude C4 and a leader in North America across all our major product lines.” Located north of FM 366 on Texas Highway 136 Spur in Port Neches, TPC produces butadiene, butane-1, fuel products and polyisobutylene.
Working in close partnership with emergency management partners in Jefferson County, the American Red Cross serving Southeast Texas has opened a shelter for those impacted by the explosion at the TPC Group Plant.
Red Cross disaster trained responders are providing relief, comfort and a safe place to stay out of the evacuation zone until the all clear is given by local emergency management officials.
SHELTER ADDRESS
First Baptist Church
1911 Nederland Avenue
Nederland, Texas 77627
For shelter availability visit redcross.org or use the Red Cross Emergency App. It can be downloaded from your mobile phone app store or you can text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999.
