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Large fire, explosion reported at chemical plant in Houston area

At least one person was injured in incident in San Jacinto County

HOUSTON – A man suffered minor burns during a chemical plant fire and explosion in the Houston area on Wednesday.

The incident happened at Sound Resource Solutions at FM 1127 and US 59 in Shepherd, located in San Jacinto County.

A large plume of smoke could be seen heading toward the Livingston area, in Polk County, as flammable liquids and diesel continue to burn.

During a briefing, San Jacinto Office of Emergency Management officials did not say how long they expect the chemicals to burn.

Authorities said 19 employees were at the 22-acre site at the time of the incident. A male employee is the only one who was injured, and he is expected to be OK.

The business employs about 40 people at the plant. Sound Resource Solutions handles, packages and distributes oilfield, paint and coating chemicals.

Authorities said they are investigating the cause of the fire.

Emergency management officials initially said people living within a five-mile radius should shelter in place, but that has since been reduced to a one-mile radius.

A private school with 31 children nearby was evacuated. At this time, Highway 59 is closed.

Authorities are expected to give an update at 1 p.m.

Shepherd is located about 60 miles northeast of Houston.


About the Authors
Rebecca Salinas headshot

Rebecca Salinas is the Digital Executive Producer at KSAT 12 News. A San Antonio native, Rebecca is an award-winning journalist who joined KSAT in 2019.

David Ibañez headshot

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.

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