Texas Town Rocked By Explosion At Local Antifreeze Chemical Plant

One person is dead and at least two are critically injured after an explosion and fire at a chemical plant Tuesday morning in the Houston suburb of Crosby.

The explosion at KMCO reportedly took place just before 11 a.m. with the fire fully contained in about five hours. The scene was still monitored late into the afternoon.

A spokesperson for the Harris County Marshal's office said KMCO believes the blaze was caused after a transfer line ignited in the area of a tank of the flammable gas isobutylene. Employees reportedly ran after the tank ignited.

Workers were warned that there was a leak at the KMCO factory, which produces anti-freeze. They were then ordered to evacuate the factory so the leak could be safely checked out moments before the explosion.

The Sheriff’s Office ordered residents within a one-mile radius to stay indoors. Local reports quoted nearby residents who said they felt their homes shake from the explosion.

Ed Gonzalez, head of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, took to Twitter to reveal the results of the early investigation.

The Associated Press noted that KMCO in 2016 pleaded guilty to violations of the Clean Air Act.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm at this time that there have been injuries and one fatality," said KMCO CEO John C. Foley in a statement at 12:50 p.m. "Those injured have been transported for medical treatment. Our hearts and prayers go out to the individuals involved, as well as our first responders, employees, and our community."

This was the second chemical fire in the Houston area in recent weeks. A blaze at Intercontinental Terminals Co. (ITC) in Deer Park on March 17 burned for several days and required the help of the National Guard.