Two explosions were reported at a flooded chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, early Wednesday, the day after it was fully evacuated by authorities.
Authorities have blocked off access to the plant and say it’s no longer a threat, ABC13 reports.
“We don’t believe there’s any further threat, even to the broader community,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told ABC13.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office announced on Twitter that one deputy has been taken to the hospital after he breathed in smoke from the plant, while nine others went to the hospital as a precaution. Company officials told the sheriff’s office the smoke is likely only a “non-toxic irritant.”
“We use the comparison that it’s like standing over a barbecue pit that emanates smoke and it gets in your eyes,” Gonzalez told ABC13.
Authorities notified Arkema of the explosions early Wednesday morning. Both agreed that “the best course of action is to let the fire burn itself out” because of the nature of the chemicals, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Immediately after being notified of the explosions, Arkema, the company in charge of the plant, released a statement saying the situation is “extremely serious,” according to ABC13.
Authorities have ordered an evacuation of the area within 1.5 miles of the plant. Residents more than 1.5 miles away are being told to take shelter in their homes.
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