Fire extinguished at INEOS plant after explosion, authorities say

The transfer of liquid petroleum gas from one tanker to another led to the explosion, according to authorities.

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PASADENA, Texas-- One person was injured Wednesday after an explosion took place at the INEOS chemical site in the Pasadena area.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said that person may have sustained some burns. They were transported to the hospital and listed as stable.

Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garica said at 12:11 p.m., a BLEVE was reported at the chemical site, which is a type of explosion.

The explosion involved an over-the-road tanker truck that was carrying liquid petroleum gas, Garcia said. The truck was transferring the gas from one tanker to another when something went wrong and the explosion occurred, according to Garcia.

As emergency teams attempted to contain the fire from the explosion, numerous roads in the area were closed down as a safety measure, including the Harris County Toll Road and Highway 225.

Just before 1:30 p.m., authorities reported the fire was extinguished and all the streets that were closed down were reopened.

All staff members from the INEOS chemical site were accounted for.

Air monitoring was performed north of Channelview and south of Highway 225.

Dr. Latrice Babin with Harris County Pollution Control Services said there was no impact to the community but anybody with concerns concerning the chemicals in the fire can look at Harris County's pollution map.

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office is conducting an investigation into the explosion.

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