SHEPHERD, Texas (BNN)-- Multiple fire firms were called to a large plant fire burning on FM 1127 in Shepherd, Texas, Wednesday early morning that left one worker hurt.
BNN has numerous teams at the scene. Watch live continuing coverage on our 24/7 streaming channel in the video player above.
The San Jacinto County Precinct 2 Constable posted pictures of the thick, black smoke coming from the location at about 8:45 a.m
. At about 8:17 a.m., authorities said they got reports of a possible explosion at the petroleum processing plant Sound Resource Solutions, which supposedly makes solvents for glue and paint cleaner. A source informed Eyewitness News that there is a 1000-gallon gas tank in the middle of the fire and a four-inch natural gas main under the ground.
BNN'& #x 27; s investigative press reporter Kevin Ozebek spoke with an existing staff member who stated there was one male who was injured in a "" freak accident"" that was triggered by a forklift incident. The source stated the hurt employee was taken to Memorial Hermann with second-degree burns to his arms and first-degree burns to his face. The source informed us the injured employee is in great spirits and expected to be okay.
A representative from Sound Resource Solutions reported to ABC that all employees were accounted for, and only one suffered a minor injury and is being treated for burns. Authorities clarified that of the almost 40 people employed, only 19 workers were working at the time.
Officials stated flammable liquids, diesel, turpentine, and other chemicals were included in the fire. Residents within a one-mile radius of the fire were asked to shelter in location.
Polk County Emergency Management authorities said, "" locals along US Hwy 59 from Goodrich to Leggett shelter in location and turn off HVAC systems in organizations and homes immediately."".
School districts affected
The San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management said 31 trainees at Wildwood Private School located along FM 1127 were securely evacuated through a pasture by 9:15 a.m. Shepherd ISD sent the following declaration following the evacuation:.
"" Shepherd ISD is monitoring the situation with the Chemical Plant Fire on 1127. At this time, all of our trainees are safe. We touch with regional officials and first responders. We will offer updates as we receive them. You can likewise follow the Precinct 2 Constable San Jacinto County Facebook page for upgraded information."".
In an update, Shepherd ISD authorities said there have to do with 1900 kids in the district and are all in class. All trainees are reportedly safe and no longer needed to shelter in place. The district stated it is not launching parents however students who wish to get their child may do so at the school front offices.
"Goodrich ISD has actually reached our evacuation point at Onalaska ISD. You might choose up your kid at 1855 FM 3459, Onalaska, TX 77360, at the junior/senior high school arena.
Livingston ISD stated it positioned all campuses on hold out of an abundance of caution and used emergency situation protocols to ensure student and staff security.
The district said when on "" hold,"" trainees are trained to clear the corridors and stay in their location or space up until an "" all clear"" is announced. Adults and personnel then must close and lock doors and account for all students.
Onalaska ISD stated it is not safeguarding in location, as it'& #x 27; s not in the course of the plume. Both Leggett and Corrigan-Camden school district stated they are sheltering in place.
Power blackouts
According to the Sam
Houston Electric Cooperative website, 409 clients out of 14,614 in San Jacinto County are out of power. It appears emergency situation personnel might have requested for the power to be cut as teams operate at the scene.
Traffic closures
The Texas Department of Transportation said US-59 remains closed from FM 1988 to Exit 451B as crews work to put out the fire. Detours include Exit 451B in Shepherd and FM 1988 in Polk County.
The Polk County Sheriff'& #x 27; s Office also reported that traffic was shut down at US-190 and US- 59. Depending upon which method you are taking a trip, drivers will be rerouted to State Highway 156 or I-45.
FM 3278 is apparently not open to traffic unless proof of residency is offered.
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