Gas Plant Explosion Prompts Evacuations in Austin County, Texas

Evacuations were ordered Tuesday in Austin County after explosions and a fire were reported at a gas plant northeast of Bellville, officials said. The first explosion was reported about 6 a.m. at the Western International Gas Plant on West State Highway 159. Several other explosions were reported within the hour, officials said. "Loud. It’s just unreal. That’s the only word I can think of,” said Marcy Grimes. She said she was delivering supplies to firefighters near the plant during one of the explosions.