Crews work to make repairs near pipeline fire site in Deer Park 4 days after explosion

Daniela Hurtado Image
Friday, September 20, 2024
Crews work to make repairs near pipeline fire site in Deer Park 4 days after explosion
A day after human remains were found in an SUV pulled from the burn site of the pipeline fire near Spencer Highway, restoration efforts are underway.

DEER PARK, Texas (KTRK) -- As Energy Transfer crews begin repairs after the La Porte Pipeline fire was extinguished, authorities are investigating the body found inside the SUV police say crashed into the above ground pipeline valve on Monday morning.

Pipeline workers and linemen on Friday filled the area along Spencer Highway where more than a hundred hours ago an enormous flame was over the area and could be seen for miles away.

Out of East Meadow Drive in Deer Park, a sight no one expects, melted cars, dried and charred out grass, homes destroyed from the heat and water damage, and families now having to figure out what's next.

"There needs to be an inspection to actually know a whole extent of the damages and consequences of this impact," homeowner Areanna Molero said.

On Friday, the City of Deer Park confirmed that CenterPoint, Energy Transfer, and contractors were at the site.

Energy Transfer is still not answering ABC13's questions or requests for interviews, so it's unclear what exact fixes they're making or how long they'll be making those repairs and changes.

The City of Deer Park opened a criminal investigation after a dead body was found Thursday morning in the SUV police say crashed through a fence and into the above-ground pipeline valve, causing all of these problems.

City reps are being tight lipped citing the pending investigation.

As families work to clean out and make repairs, ABC13 spoke to some homeowners and say they hope this entire situation serves as a learning lesson. Some are calling on the pipeline company to create concrete barriers at above ground pipeline valves to prevent this from ever happening again.

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SEE MORE COVERAGE:

'I don't think we can save anything': Families near pipeline return to damaged homes, melted cars

After an Energy Transfer pipeline exploded, Deer Park residents had to evacuate and came back days later to damaged homes and melted vehicles.
SkyEye was live over the area as crews removed the vehilce and investigators surrounded it for the first time since Monday's fire began.
Several neighbors evacuated their homes in La Porte because of the pipeline that exploded at a valve station they didn't know they lived by. Do you know if you live near a pipeline? Here's how to find out.