Terrorism Ruled Out in Massive Explosion at Texas Chemical Plant

Over 24 hours have gone by since a massive explosion blasted the city of La Porte, Texas, causing emergency crews to use over 1 million gallons of water to keep the flames at bay.

EXPLOSION FELT BY NEARBY STUDENTS

The explosion, seen from miles away, rocked the entire community. The blast could be felt at a nearby community college, and one student recalled the moment it happened, "I heard the loud boom, and it shook my car and I had heat come straight in through my window," said Ayla Ruffin, a student at San Jacinto College- Central Campus.  

TERRORISM RULED OUT

Although terrorism has been ruled out, investigators are still trying to gather an explanation. Deer Park officials said a white SUV drove through the side of a fence at a nearby Walmart and proceeded to crash straight into a valve, setting off the fiery explosion.

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The vehicle was incinerated and remains at the site while officials continue their investigation. In total, 4 people, including firefighters, have been injured. Crews are working on keeping the flames from nearby homes and trailers, however, two homes have been declared a total loss.

A WAITING GAME

According to emergency crews, it's now a waiting game, the chemical has to burn off before the fire can completely be out. So far, over a million gallons of water have been used to try and contain the fire and reduce as much loss to surrounding areas as possible.

"The product in the pipeline is just going to have to burn off. They’ve shut the pipeline down. Until all the product that’s in the pipeline burns off, it will be hours," said Mayor Jerry Mouton, of the City of Deer Park.