Mon Sep 16 16:08:58 UTC 2024: ## Pipeline Explosion Near Houston Ignites Massive Fire, Forces Evacuations
**DEER PARK, Texas** – A massive pipeline explosion near Houston on Monday sent a towering flame into the air, forcing evacuations and shelter orders in the surrounding area. The fire, which began after a vehicle struck an above-ground valve, could burn for hours, possibly into Tuesday, according to local officials.
The incident occurred at a valve station in Deer Park, just next to La Porte, when an SUV drove through a fence and struck the valve, causing the explosion. Firefighters were dispatched at 9:55 a.m. local time, with residents reporting hearing a loud bang that shook their homes and businesses, including a nearby Walmart.
Nearly 1,000 homes were evacuated as a precaution, and officials said one firefighter sustained a minor injury, although later reports indicated that four people were injured, though the extent of their injuries is unknown.
The pipeline, owned by Dallas-based Energy Transfer, carries natural gas liquids, which are used in the manufacturing of plastics and other chemical products. Operators shut off the flow of liquids in the pipeline, but the fire continues to burn as the miles of pipe still contain fuel.
“The fire, it’s very hot, so a lot of the house structures that are adjacent to that are still catching on fire even though we’re putting a lot of water on them,” said Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton Jr. at a news conference.
Experts advise that letting the fire burn out is the safest environmental approach, as attempting to suppress the flames with foam or liquids could release harmful volatile organics into the environment. While some environmental impact is inevitable, air monitoring has shown no volatile organic compounds detected so far, though moderate levels of particulate matter from the smoke have been reported.
The incident has caused power outages for several thousand customers in Harris County, and the extensive pipeline infrastructure in the area will require thorough inspection for damage.
Despite the fire, industry experts believe it will not have a major impact on supply chains. The Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates oil and gas in the state, has launched an investigation into the incident, with inspectors seeking information from other pipeline operators to ensure safety measures are being followed.
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