A massive fire burning at a plant along SH-225 near the East Beltway was extinguished following an explosion that left one person hospitalized Wednesday afternoon.
Officials identified the plant involved as INEOS.
Houston TranStar cameras captured a large explosion at the plant, located at 3503 Pasadena Freeway, at about 12:07 p.m.
In an afternoon update, Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia described the incident as a “bleve explosion” involving over-the-road tanker trucks, not rail cars.
“When you have a liquid petroleum or a liquid propane inside a tank, the fire that occurred outside can heat the tank to the point that the inside is boiling and the pressure is so great that it overcomes the release mechanisms, the safety valves, and the container holding it explodes,” Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office Chief Investigator Mitchell Weston said when asked to describe a bleve explosion.
A tanker reportedly filled with liquid petroleum gas was transferring the chemical to a storage tank through a hose.
Garcia said as a result of the process, something went wrong, and the explosion occurred.
The fire marshal’s office will investigate the original source of the fire.
“At this time, we really don’t know,” Capt. Chad Shaw with the HCFMO said. “Any time you have a transfer of chemical like that, if there’s any type of vapor, it can find an ignition source anywhere.”
One person was taken to the hospital, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. At last check, Garcia said that person was stable.
There’s no word on the individual’s identity or the nature of any injuries. Everyone at the plant was accounted for, officials said.
The Houston Fire Department also tweeted that it performed “mutual aid” to crews at the scene.
Unified Command has been established, @hcfmo is lead. Area roadways are open. #HouNews https://t.co/EUq35kbt1E
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) March 22, 2023
@HoustonFire is currently performing mutual aid at the 3500 block of the Pasadena Fwy. Due to reports of a chemical plant on fire. Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic. @FireChiefofHFD
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) March 22, 2023
Beltway 8 reopened at Highway 225 after it was closed out of precaution. The Sam Houston Tollway Ship Channel bridge has also reopened in both directions.
UPDATE (1:17PM 3/22/23)
Pasadena Alert: The fire that was occurring at INEOS at 225/Beltway 8 has been extinguished, no protective measures are needed for Pasadena residence.
— City of Pasadena TX #pasadenatxgov (@pasadenatxgov) March 22, 2023
Helicopter video showed several people standing in an open space nearby as the flames burned and what appeared to be smoking tanks with burn marks surrounding the facility.
#ImportantInformation | OEM is aware of a fire that has started in a Pasadena industrial facility. There are no impacts to the City of La Porte. For up to date information, please follow the CAER app. https://t.co/hq7qBwywGE pic.twitter.com/fAgfJnXQz2
— La Porte Office of Emergency Management (OEM) (@lpoem) March 22, 2023
In a written statement, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said no pollution was reported in the water and there do not appear to be any remaining hazardous material leaks.
Judge Hidalgo Update on INEOS Plant Explosion. pic.twitter.com/L76X8UioDZ
— Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo (@HarrisCoJudge) March 22, 2023
According to the company’s website, INEOS produces a number of products relating to oil and gas, chemicals, and polymers.
No impacts to the surrounding area were reported, according to officials. Hazmat crews responded to the scene and monitored the area.