Texas Glue Factory Explosion: One Injured, Schools Evacuated, Roads Closed

A significant explosion occurred at a chemical plant in Texas, resulting in one person sustaining injuries and prompting extensive stay-at-home orders in the vicinity.

Large columns of smoke were visible emanating from the Shepherd, Texas, petroleum plant, located approximately an hour from Houston, on a Wednesday morning. The explosion followed a fire at the Sound Resource Solutions factory, which produces adhesive and paint removers.

Authorities expressed uncertainty about the potential hazards posed by the airborne chemicals released during the incident. The Polk County Emergency Management department, a neighboring entity, cautioned that these chemicals were recognized for their “acute toxicity,” capable of causing serious eye damage, skin corrosion, aspiration hazards, and organ toxicity.

San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers disclosed that 19 employees were on-site when the explosion occurred. While he suggested that the blast may have resulted from a “forklift” incident, he refrained from providing further details.

Officials indicated that the smoke had dispersed more widely in Polk County than in San Jacinto County, where the factory is situated, due to strong winds.

Following the initial explosion at around 08:00 local time (14:00 GMT), a stay-at-home order was initially implemented for residents within a five-mile radius of the plant, later reduced to one mile. An adjacent private school housing 31 children was evacuated, and Highway 59 nearby was closed.

By 13:00 local time, a significant portion of the blaze was under control, with approximately 25 crews working to combat the fire.

During a news briefing, Geoff Harfield, the president of Sound Resource Solutions, revealed that only one employee suffered minor burns in the explosion and was receiving treatment. He commended the efforts of first responders and emphasized his primary concern for the safety of his employees.

Harfield also attempted to allay concerns about the potential dangers of airborne chemicals, acknowledging the presence of “hazardous materials” but describing them as similar to what one might have under their kitchen sink. He emphasized their diligent handling of such materials over an extended period.

Officials noted that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was establishing a monitoring unit to gather information about potential hazards associated with the incident.

A glue factory explosion in Texas has caused one injury and led to school evacuations and road closures.

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