One Dead; Two Injured In KMCO Chemical Plant Explosion; Fire In Crosby Texas

CROSBY, TX (CBSDFW.COM) – One person is dead and at least two others injured after an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Crosby, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

According to KTRK-TV first responders were called to a fire at KMCO in the 16500 block of Ramsey Road late Tuesday morning.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted earlier this afternoon, "One confirmed deceased at the scene, two have been life-flighted in unknown condition." Gonzalez also said that initial reports indicate that Isobutylene initially started fire.

Before the death was confirmed Gonzalez reported that two people had been injured, "Breaking: Chemical Plant Fire in East Harris County, off old Hwy 90. Shutting roadway now. Preliminary info: Two employees are possibly injured, unknown details. I'm enroute to the scene now."

John C. Foley, President & CEO, KMCO released a statement today that read in part, "We are deeply saddened to confirm at this time that there have been injuries and one fatality. Those injured have been transported for medical treatment. Our hearts and prayers go out to the individuals involved, as well as our first responders, employees, and our community."

From the air, two people could be seen as they were taken by ambulance to a nearby parking lot where Life Flight helicopters waited to transport them to the hospital.

First responders worked on the victims for several minutes before loading them into the helicopters.

As Gonzalez was arriving he tweeted an image and said, "Crosby Plant fire: arriving in the general area. Information is preliminary: schools have sheltered in place, a few pops have been heard, air seems to be moving in Southwest direction."

There were several reports on social media of people hearing and feeling an explosion in the area that's about 25 miles northeast of Houston.

Schools 'sheltered in place' and did not allow children outside.

In:
• Fire
• Explosion
• Houston News
• Harris County