Chemical fire under control at Shepherd plant outside of Houston
SHEPHERD (CBSNewsTexas.com) – An investigation is underway after an explosion took place at a chemical plant in Shepherd Wednesday morning, injuring one employee.
Authorities say that so far, testing shows the air quality remains safe. Factory leaders say the fire was caused by a forklift incident.
Overnight Wednesday, more mobile air monitoring units were deployed to Shepherd.
This is the scene on US 59 in San Jacinto County. US 59 remains closed for now from FM 1988 to Exit 451B due to a chemical fire on FM 1127. Crews and law enforcement are on the scene. Detours at Exit 451B in Shepherd, and at FM 1988 in Polk County. Prepare for delays. pic.twitter.com/PoKV1D49t4
— TxDOT Lufkin (@TxDOTLufkin) November 8, 2023
Officials urged residents along US Hwy 59 from Goodrich to Leggett shelter-in-place and turn off their HVAC systems for hours. Due to the explosion, US Hwy 59 was closed.
US 59 UPDATE: The US 59 closure has been extended to US 190. This is in addition to the earlier closure near Shepherd. Motorists should prepare to detour to I45 or choose other alternate routes. Obey all traffic control. pic.twitter.com/2Ni5npZti0
— TxDOT Lufkin (@TxDOTLufkin) November 8, 2023
A private school located on FM 1127 was safely evacuated.
Shepherd is located in San Jacinto County, about 60 miles north of Houston.