Chemical Plant Explosion Triggers Large Fire

An explosion has triggered a large fire at a chemical plant in Shepherd, TX, sending flames and plumes of black smoke into the sky. 

The explosion and following chemical fire at Sound Resource Solutions occurred this morning, the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management said.

The blaze prompted the evacuation of a private school nearby.

Sound Resource Solutions manufactures various chemials including alcohols, acids, caustics, ketones and acetates, and petroleum-based products, according to the company website.

Following the explosion, emergency workers arrived at the scene to provide assistance.

Everyone within a five-mile radius is asked to remain put, per the authorities, and a one-mile region around FM 1127 was placed under a shelter-in-place.

The smoke cloud is moving away from Houston and towards the northeast.

One individual was hurt in the explosion and was sent to the hospital, the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management.