An explosion rocked a chemical plant early Wednesday in Texas, causing extensive damage across the small city of Port Neches and leaving at least three employees injured.
A chemical fire continued to burn late Wednesday morning at the site, about 90 miles east of Houston, the Nederland Volunteer Fire Department said. The blast erupted about 1 a.m. (2 a.m. ET), officials said.
The focus was on containment and keeping surrounding storage tanks cool, said Troy Monk, director of health safety and security for TPC Group, which operates the Port Neches Operation site.
The next priorities will be putting out the fire, then investigating its cause, he said.
"Theres extensive damage throughout the City," Port Neches Police Department said in a statement. "Please stay off the roads anywhere near the refineries. Obey all the barricades that are in place. We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe and informed."