Two Injured, One Missing After Texas Chemical Plant Explosions
At least two people are injured and one person is missing after two explosions March 15 at a chemical plant in Hood County, Texas.
[UPDATED March. 16 at 10:34 a.m.]
At least two people are injured and one person is missing after two explosions Thursday morning at a chemical plant in Hood County, Texas, according to WFAA. All three people are believed to be employees of the plant.
A dozen men were at the Tri-Chem Industries facility in Cresson, Texas, when the first explosion occurred at about 10 a.m. A second explosion took place at about 11:15 a.m., and the plant had collapsed as of noon, Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds confirmed to WFAA.
Eleven of 12 employees have been accounted for, according to CBS DFW. The missing man has been identified as Dylan Mitchell, and officials are now calling the search for Mitchell a “recovery” effort.
One person was in critical condition for severe burns at Parkland in Dallas, and another had minor injuries but is expected to be okay, Deeds said.
The cause of the explosions is unknown at this time. According to Tri-Chem Industries’ website, the plant is a “chemical blending facility.”
Several fire departments were called in to help for fire and hazardous materials support.
Officials are monitoring wind direction as smoke billows from the fire. According to CBS DFW, Cresson city leaders are telling anyone who came into contact with the smoke to go to the hospital and get “checked out.”
Bob Cornett, Cresson’s mayor and assistant fire chief, told WFAA crews mostly let the fire burn itself out because the smoke and flames were “so toxic.” A full investigation is expected when the smoke has fully dissipated.