Pipeline explosion sends towering flames over Houston suburb

LA PORTE, Texas (AP) — A significant pipeline fire erupted on Monday, sending a massive column of flames high above the suburban landscape near Houston. First responders quickly evacuated nearby neighborhoods while working to prevent the blaze from spreading to additional homes.

The incident involved a 20-inch pipeline that transports natural gas liquids. According to Dallas-based Energy Transfer, the pipeline’s gas flow was shut off, but residual materials still inside will continue to burn for several hours.

Fire crews were dispatched shortly after 9:55 a.m. when an explosion shook houses and businesses in the vicinity of Deer Park and La Porte, approximately 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston, known as the energy capital of the United States. Residents reported seeing a large plume of smoke that could be observed from at least ten miles away, and a chemical odor lingered in the area. As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries.

Witnesses shared their experiences of the explosion. Geselle Melina Guerra, 25, recounted how she and her boyfriend were having breakfast in their mobile home when they heard a loud explosion around 9:30 a.m. “All of a sudden, we hear this loud bang, and then I see something bright, like orange, coming from our back door that’s outside,” she said, describing the chaotic scene as they rushed to escape.

Guerra’s boyfriend quickly woke up his brother, and they all made a frantic dash to their car. “I was just freaking out, pacing around the living room, not really knowing what to do or what was happening,” Guerra added. “I thought maybe it was an airplane that had crashed down by our house.”

The city of La Porte’s spokesperson, Lee Woodward, informed KTRK-TV that nearby schools were instructed to shelter in place as law enforcement created a secure perimeter around the affected area.

Meanwhile, at San Jacinto College, which closed its campus in the aftermath of the explosion, residents gathered to share information. Evan Wyman, who was relieved to hear her dog, Baxter, had been rescued from her home in the evacuated zone, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I just know that my dog is rescued.”

U.S. Department of Transportation data indicates that at least one gas transmission pipeline and one hazardous liquid pipeline are situated in the area affected by the fire. Additional pipelines run through adjacent residential neighborhoods, adding to community concerns about safety.

The origin of the fire remains under investigation. Houston has a long history as the heartland of the petrochemical industry, home to numerous refineries, plants, and extensive pipeline networks. Explosions and fires are not uncommon in the area, raising ongoing concerns about safety protocols and the potential environmental impact associated with such incidents.

Visuals captured by KTRK depicted damage to a nearby park, as firefighters worked to contain the flames while dousing neighboring homes with water. By noon, smoke was seen pouring from the rooftops of at least a couple of homes, with several businesses, including a Walmart, in close proximity.

Residents expressed concern over evacuations, noting their familiarity with industrial disturbances in the area. Sanchez, a local who has lived there for a decade, stated that although they are accustomed to such challenges, they had never experienced an explosion. “We just drove as far as we could because we didn’t know what was happening,” he recounted from a nearby gas station.

Officials reiterated the urgency for residents in the Brookglen neighborhood to vacate the area. “Please avoid the area and follow law enforcement direction. Further details will be released as available,” Woodward urged.

High-voltage power lines also run close to the fire. As reported by PowerOutage.us, thousands of customers in Harris County experienced power outages. CenterPoint Energy confirmed it is monitoring the situation and clarified that the fire is not related to its operations. They stated their crews will assess any damages and begin restoring power once it is safe.

This incident has been officially clarified, specifying that the pipeline involved carries natural gas liquids rather than liquefied natural gas.

Source: AP