A 20-inch pipeline fire broke out in La Porte, Texas, a Houston suburb, on Monday morning, leading to the evacuation of homes and businesses in the area. The incident occurred about 25 miles southeast of Houston, causing a significant plume of flames that prompted street closures and safety measures.
The pipeline, owned by Energy Transfer, was carrying liquid natural gas when the fire erupted. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which has not yet been determined. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze, pouring water into affected areas to prevent further damage.
Energy Transfer confirmed that the pipeline has been isolated to allow the remaining product to burn out safely. The company is collaborating with local authorities to manage the situation effectively, although there is no specific timeline for when the fire will be fully extinguished.
Approximately 50 individuals were evacuated due to the fire, with many more experiencing power outages and disruptions in the vicinity. CenterPoint Energy, a local utility company, reported several outages in the area but clarified that the incident was unrelated to their operations.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the response efforts. Several schools, including San Jacinto College, implemented shelter-in-place orders as a precautionary measure before ultimately canceling classes and activities.
Residents in the affected area, such as Geselle Melina Guerra, described the terrifying moment when the explosion occurred. Guerra recounted hearing a loud bang and witnessing a bright orange glow outside her home, causing confusion and fear among those nearby.
The situation remains ongoing as authorities work to address the aftermath of the pipeline fire and ensure the safety of the community. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
