Shepherd chemical plant explosion leaves scores injured in Jacinto County, Texas

A massive explosion at a chemical plant Sound Resource Solutions in Shepherd, San Jacinto County, Texas along Farm to Market 1127 has injured several people triggering an immediate emergency response.

Following the explosion, emergency workers arrived at the scene to provide assistance.

Everyone within an eight-kilometer (five-mile) radius is asked to remain put, per the authorities.

A one-mile region around FM 1127 was placed under a shelter-in-place. The smoke cloud is moving away from Houston and towards the northeast.

FM 1127 is fully closed; one individual was hurt in the explosion and was sent to the hospital.

Additionally blocked is US 59 from FM 1988 to Exit 451B.

Everywhere in the vicinity, including the nearby school, has been evacuated. There are no confirmed reports of casualties. The reason of the explosion is still a mystery.

In the next several hours, there will probably be a large number of emergency workers in the area. Transportation and economic disruptions are expected in the area. There can be further road closures and evacuations.

There were several reported casualties. There were further explosions as first responders (fire, EMS, and law enforcement) arrived from all directions.

From FM 1988 to Exit 451B, a portion of Highway 59 is blocked in both directions. TxDOT is requesting that you steer clear of the area and use detours.

The Shepard ISD administrative building is the safe haven for all the children and staff of a nearby private school, according to the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management.

More to follow…