Fireball erupts over Port Neches in Texas after huge explosion at petrochemical plant
- Blast reported shortly after 1am at TPC Group petrochemical plant, Port Neches
- Mandatory half-mile evacuation zone has been put in place around the plant
- Police are not aware of injuries and say primary concern is secondary explosion
- Blast and smoke plume are so large they were picked up on weather satellites
- Did you witness the explosion? Contact: chris.pleasance@mailonline.com
A fireball has erupted over Port Neches in Texas after a powerful explosion at a petrochemical plant.
The blast was first reported shortly after 1am at a plant belonging to TPC Group around 85 miles east of Houston.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says a mandatory half-mile evacuation zone has been put in place around the burning plant, and people are being told to leave their homes.
A huge explosion at a petrochemical plant belonging to TPC Group in Port Neches, Texas, lit up the night sky and has forced residents to evacuate
Port Neches police say they are not aware of any injuries, and their primary concern is a secondary explosion or release of toxic gases.
Pictures and video from the scene show a huge fireball lighting up the night sky and pumping out potentially toxic smoke.
People living in Bridge City and Port Arthur, around seven miles from the blast, reported feeling the explosion shake the foundations of their homes.
Others posted images showing the shockwave had blown in their windows and buckled their doors.
The explosion was so large it actually showed up as a hot spot on local weather radar, while the National Weather Service was able to pick up the smoke plume on their satellites.
The blast was reported shortly after 1am with people living up to 15 miles from the plant saying the blast broke windows and buckled doors in their homes
More to follow…