Evacuations lifted after plant explosions in Austin Co.
BELLVILLE, Texas (KTRK) -- Evacuations were lifted Tuesday evening hours after several explosions rocked the Western International Gas plant on Highway 159 in Austin County.
An evacuation was originally ordered for about five miles around the plant, due to fears of a larger explosion. Officials later reduced the evacuation zone down to just a mile around the plant.
According to the Austin County Sheriff, several explosions took place during the morning. There were no reported injuries.
Residents reported hearing a series of blasts that sounded like grenades. Thick black smoke continues to fill the sky over the plant, and continued explosions were heard throughout the morning.
As of the evening time, officials believed the worst is over. Despite the evacuation order being lifted, a stretch of Highway 159 remained closed between the Brazos River and Bellville.
