In Shepherd, Texas, an ordinary Wednesday morning took a terrifying turn when a catastrophic explosion rocked the small community. The explosion, originating from the Sound Resource Solutions chemical plant, triggered a large fire, sending immense plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. As the day unfolded, this incident would lead to concerns for the safety of nearby residents, prompt emergency measures, and launch an investigation into its cause.
Shepherd chemical plant fire on FM 1127 in San Jacinto County pic.twitter.com/ux5rSIaGTt
— Dagny Taggart (@DagnyTaggart963) November 8, 2023
Timeline of Events:
1. Explosion at Sound Resource Solutions (Morning)
- A massive explosion occurs at the Sound Resource Solutions chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, known for producing solvents used in glue and paint removers.
2. Injuries and Safety Measures (Morning)
- One employee sustains minor burns during the explosion and is transported to a local hospital.
- President Geoff Harfield of Sound Resource Solutions ensures the safety of the company’s almost 40 employees, apart from the injured worker.
3. Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Orders (Morning)
- A private school on Farm-to-Market Road 1127 is evacuated.
- Authorities issue a five-mile shelter-in-place warning, which is later reduced to one mile by 10:30 a.m.
- Closure of Highway 59 due to the explosion prompts travelers to seek alternative routes.
4. Uncertainty Over Chemical Effects (Morning)
- The Polk County Emergency Management Office is worried about the chemicals in the air as the smoke heads toward Livingston.
- They advise residents to stay indoors and turn off their HVAC systems in homes and businesses.
- The Livingston Police Department also encourages residents and businesses to take these safety measures.
5. Local Response and Additional Explosions (Morning)
- Multiple explosions are reported, prompting a significant response from first responders.
- A section of Highway 59 is closed in both directions, leading to traffic backups extending into Montgomery County.
6. Shepherd ISD and Student Safety (Morning)
- Shepherd ISD reports that students do not need to shelter in place due to the direction of the wind. Parents have the option to pick up their children from school for added safety.
7. Investigation Ongoing
- The investigation into the exact cause of the chemical plant explosion is ongoing, with authorities and the community seeking answers and insights into the tragic event.
