Evacuation after chemical plant explosion in Texas which 'went off like a bomb'

27 November 2019, 08:54

The scene of the explosion
The scene of the explosion. Picture: Twitter
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

A mandatory evacuation is in place within a half-mile radius of the TCP plant in Port Neches, Texas which was rocked by an explosion on Wednesday morning.

The chemical plant exploded in the early hours of Wednesday morning, according to eyewitnesses and local media.

The evacuation of nearby residents is already underway with authorities telling people the evacuation zone could become larger.

One local resident said the explosion went off "like a bomb" and made the walls of their house flex.

The local fire department posted on Facebook to advise residents of the evacuation
The local fire department posted on Facebook to advise residents of the evacuation. Picture: Facebook

There have been no reports of injuries but damage to buildings in the vicinity is widespread as the explosion, at the TPC Group chemical plant. Homes were rocked as far as 40 miles away.

The explosion was even felt as far away as neighbouring state Louisiana.