A massive Wharton chemical plant fire of yet to be determined origin destroyed one of the main buildings at the facility located about an hour from Houston. A series of explosions appear to have occurred following the start of the fire. At this time, it is not clear whether or not any explosions preceded the huge blaze.
Firefighters from several different departments were dispatched to scene and spent over four hours battling the blaze. As of the proverbial wee-hours of Wednesday morning, emergency personnel believed the fire to be extinguished. However, not long after dawn on Wednesday the blaze reignited and firefighters are back on the scene.
As of Wednesday morning, no serious injuries have been reported arising out of the Wharton chemical plant fire. The facility was evacuated yesterday and despite the fact that the blaze reignited on Wednesday, workers do not appear to be in harm’s way at this time.
The Wharton Prime Eco chemical plant manufactures an array of products for use in different industries, including:
- Oil
- Gas
- Construction
The Wharton Prime Eco chemical plant also produces hand sanitizer for broader use. Although the cause of the fire is not yet known, both products like hand sanitizer and fuel stabilizer are thought to have fed and now feed again the flames.
The Wharton Prime Eco chemical plant fire and explosions caused a plume of smoke to rise above the facility and spread across the city of Wharton itself. Officials issued a shelter in place order for the entire community as a result.
The contents of the smoke plume were not immediately known, although air quality monitoring has commenced. The reality is that when a fire or explosion occurs at a chemical plant, the resulting smoke plume can contain what very well may prove to be toxic chemicals. This is particularly true when a Texas chemical plant is involved in manufacturing products used in the oil and gas industry.
As of early Wednesday morning, the shelter in place order was lifted for Wharton. With that said, considering the fire reignited, the possibility does exist that a new shelter in place order might issue something on Wednesday.
Highway 60, which connects Wharton to the rest of the Lone Star State and which runs in front of the Prime Eco chemical plant facility, was completely shut down due to the fire. As of 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the highway appears to have reopened. Having noted that, with the fire restarting, a new highway closure may occur, depending on the ability of firefighters to extinguish the latest fire flareup quickly (which is the hope).
An investigation is already underway in regard to the cause of the fire and explosions. Ultimately, multiple local, state, and federal agencies are to be called upon to determine the cause or causes of the Wharton chemical plant fire. No specific timeline has been announced for the investigation. However, it is believed at least some preliminary information on the cause or causes will be available in the coming week.
The Texas chemical plant explosion lawyer team at The Doan Law Firm at (832) 835-0000 is monitoring the situation, including working to determine the contents of the chemical plant smoke plume that spread over Wharton. As necessary, updates will be provided.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an incident like that Wharton Eco Prime chemical plant fire, the Doan Law Firm Texas chemical plant explosion lawyer team is here for you. As mentioned a moment ago, you can reach us at (832) 835-0000. We keep our Texas chemical plant explosion attorney telephone line staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all major holidays.
We can schedule a confidential initial consultation with a Texas chemical plant explosion accident lawyer any time that is convenient for you at our offices located at:
The Doan Law Firm
1 Riverview
Suite 2500
Houston, Texas 777056
We have other offices located across the state of Texas as well. We can also arrange a virtual case evaluation online as well. There is no charge for an initial consultation with a Texas chemical plant explosion accident lawyer at our firm.
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