Chemical fire under control at Shepherd plant outside of Houston
SHEPHERD (CBSNewsTexas.com) – An investigation is underway after an explosion took place at a chemical plant in Shepherd Wednesday morning, injuring one employee.
Authorities say that so far, testing shows the air quality remains safe. Factory leaders say the fire was caused by a forklift incident.
Overnight Wednesday, more mobile air monitoring units were deployed to Shepherd.
Officials urged residents along US Hwy 59 from Goodrich to Leggett shelter-in-place and turn off their HVAC systems for hours. Due to the explosion, US Hwy 59 was closed.
A private school located on FM 1127 was safely evacuated.
Shepherd is located in San Jacinto County, about 60 miles north of Houston.
