A huge explosion and fire shakes the Texas chemical plant; finally a person killed

A huge explosion erupted Tuesday in a chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, causing at least one death, two injuries and the establishment of an on-site shelter for the surrounding community, firefighters working at the facility. 39, extinction of a seemingly uncontrolled fire there, said officials.

The blast occurred at KMCO's sprawling settlement shortly after 11 am, sending a large plume of smoke over the area, about 9 miles east of Houston.

One person was killed in the blast, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Two people suspected of being chemical plant workers were driven by helicopter emergency in local hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately released.

The Office of the Fire Marshal of Harris County has stated that one person has not been found. It was not clear if it was the person who had died.

"Our hearts and prayers go to the people involved, as well as to our first responders, our employees and our community," said John Foley, president of the company, in a statement. "The well-being of our people, our neighbors and the environment remains our top priority."

The explosion shook homes in the neighboring area and a woman one kilometer from the factory was thrown to the ground, according to the ABC KRTK channel. Some 20 kilometers away said they felt the blast, the station reported.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office issued an order that schools and homes within a one-kilometer radius be housed on site.

The sheriff's office said the preliminary investigation indicated that a colorless and flammable gas called isobutylene had initially caught fire.

According to KTRK, there was no immediate word on what other chemicals were burning, but the factory mainly manufactures antifreeze products.

Factory workers said to have been warned of a leak and ordered to evacuate a few moments before the explosion of a series of accidents. explosions followed by a massive explosion.

"Run, that's all," Randy Villalobos, factory worker, told KTRK. "It was scary, very scary, everyone around me was running."

Villalobos said he and about 20 other workers immediately went to an exit door to find him locked.

"Everyone around me was running," said Villalobos. "We had to go under a door because the door was locked at the time."

This is a last-minute story. Please check again for updates.