Crime & Safety
Shelter In Place Order Issued In Deer Park After Plant Explosion
Emergency crews are battling an uncontrolled chemical fire at the ITC plant in Deer Park and have issued a shelter in place order.
DEER PARK, TX — A shelter in place order is in effect in Deer Park as emergency crews battle a raging fire at the ITC plant. The fire erupted inside the plant at about 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, officials confirmed.
There were about 30 ITC employees inside the plant at the time of the explosion, but there were no reported injuries.
Officials said that the chemical that sparked the blaze is called petroleum naphtha, a component of gasoline which can cause severe irritation.
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As a result of the fire, officials closed segments of State Highway 225 in both directions until the fire can be contained.
Officials said that the blaze is currently uncontrolled, and advised all residents to stay clear and stay indoors.
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While an evacuation has not been ordered at this time, the City of Deer Park remains under a shelter in place and residents are encouraged to stay indoors.
Drivers are advised that State Highway 225 from Beltway 8 to Independence Parkway remains closed.
— DeerParkOEM (@deerparkoem) March 17, 2019
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