Explosion In Houston This Morning

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enigma57

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Its one of those unfortunate things that could have been much worse had it happened a couple hours later when the plant would have been completely staffed and people living nearby or driving through the area would have been out and about and at greater risk. As it was, there were 2 employees on site who came in early to work out in the gym the company had on site. One of them had spoken with his wife via cell phone as he arrived, saying there was a hissing sound and a strange smell. Minutes later at 4:24 AM, the plant blew up. A tank having 2,000 gallons of propylene exploded and there was liquid nitrogen involved as well (forms polypropylene). Both men were killed. 18 others who were in their homes nearby (several hundred feet away) were taken to hospital. The debris field was about 2-1/4 miles in all directions from the plant. Explosion was heard 20 - 25 miles away.

As the search for the injured began, residents within the debris zone were asked to report pieces of the plant and any body parts that fell onto their property. When first responders arrived on scene, some residents had to be dug out from beneath walls and ceilings that had collapsed on them. Windows and doors had been blown out of many homes. Some close by were blown off their foundations. Around 200 homes were damaged and occupants had to leave and find other places to stay because they were unsafe to remain in. When HazMat crews sought records of flammable and hazardous chemicals on site to determine what their people and Fire Dept. personnel were being exposed to and assess further possible danger of fire, explosions and exposure to hazardous substances, it seems that some chemicals known to be onsite were not documented. Never heard any more about that following initial reports.

Best regards,

Harry
 
Best thoughts to all of you down there. It will be a long time for many before they will get back into their homes,
 
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