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January 24, 2020 A strong explosion occurred in Houston, Texas, just before dawn. The accident happened in the northwestern part of the city.The police posted a tweet asking the population to avoid the area while rescuers are on the scene. It is not clear what caused the explosion and if there are victims.
The blast was "heard for miles," witnesses quoted in the local press reported. Flames and a large amount of rubble are visible in the area between Gessner and Steffani Lane, in the Westbranch neighborhood, where several buildings have been damaged by the shock wave. Windows, doors and entire structures were destroyed by the explosion. Witnesses reported seeing two people injured but according to Houston firefighters, they are not in serious condition. It is unclear how many other people may be injured.
The accident would have occurred in the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing factory: it was the same company that said it talking to the Eyewitness News website. According to the owner, the explosion originated from a propylene tank, an extremely flammable gas. The firemen are going door to door in the buildings near the epicenter to clear the residents.
"Please avoid the explosion area and don't let curiosity overcome you." So the Houston police chief, Art Acevado, tweeted inviting residents of the Texan city to avoid the area where the explosion occurred.