Six people were hospitalized on Friday after a pipeline exploded at the Corpus Christi port and refinery, officials said.
Corpus Christi Police Department deputy chief Billy Breedlove told Corpus Christi Caller-Times that the explosion occurred after a barge in the water struck the pipeline.
Six people were taken to hospital, Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha told the newspaper.
Details of the extent of their injuries were not immediately revealed. Two other people refused treatment, Rocha said.
“We are trying to get a tally of everyone who may have been involved or everyone present at the time of the incident,” Rocha said.
The fire was reported around 8 a.m. near Nueces Bay in the northern part of town. Flames and a large plume of black smoke were visible.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement after the explosion.
“The State of Texas is working closely with local Corpus Christi partners and the Coast Guard to assist with emergency response efforts after the explosion.” Texas Emergency Management Division and Department of Texas Public Safety is already on the ground to provide support, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air quality in the area. The state is ready to provide the staff and additional resources necessary to deal with this event and keep the Texans out.We will continue to monitor the situation and I ask all Texans to pray for the men and women who respond to the explosion and for the safety of those in the area. “