2 victims killed in massive explosion in northwest Houston identified; hundreds of homes damaged

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HOUSTON — Two people were killed early Friday in a massive explosion at an industrial site in northwest Houston. The two victims were apparently employees of the business there.

A nearby resident was also taken to the hospital with unknown injuries and 18 people self-reported to emergency rooms with minor injuries, such as cuts and breathing issues, associated with the blast.

The explosion at Watson Grinding and Manufacturing at 4500 Gessner was heard and felt across the city at about 4:24 a.m.

It caused “significant damage” to nearby homes and businesses and left a debris field that stretched at least two miles away. At this time there’s no evidence of terrorism, Houston’s police chief Art Acevedo said.

At an afternoon news conference, Acevedo said it was extremely likely the two victims of the explosion were two male employees of the company. The families of both men went to the scene, and vehicles belonging to both men were still there.

Two neighborhoods near the explosion were closed off to people who don’t live there. Acevedo says no one other than residents would be allowed in the Carverdale and Westbranch subdivisions. Police will be patrolling there around the clock.

Views from Air 11 of the blast site showed at least one industrial building completely flattened. Surrounding buildings had their walls, windows and a portion of their roofs blasted away.

Multiple security cameras captured the explosion on video as well as the sound of the blast. One video showed a big plume of flames and smoke coming from the facility.

HazMat crews have shut valves containing chemicals, according to the Houston Fire Department. What remained of the fire was secured and allowed to burn off. HFD Chief Sam Pena said he didn’t want to add water that could create harmful runoff.

VIDEO: Explosion captured on doorbell camera in northwest Houston

Acevedo asked the public to be on the lookout for debris, damage and even body parts on their property. The chief said residents should not touch any questionable materials found and instead call 911.

Police also said those with loved ones in the area should check in on the residents. They said if you have concerns about a friend or family member you can call police to check on them if you can’t reach them by phone.

Homes near the destroyed facility had broken windows and collapsed ceilings and walls.

Officials said ingredients used to make polypropylene were released in the explosion.

“A temporary staging area for residents displaced by the Watson Grinding & Manufacturing Co. explosion has been established at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4703 Shadowdale Drive, a few blocks west of Gessner Road. Follow @HoustonOEM for details like this,” tweeted the city.

First responders near the scene are being asked to wear masks as a precaution. Those who don’t have them are being moved back.

Firefighters have gone to nearly 200 homes, telling people there’s not a mandatory evacuation but suggesting that people consider leaving the area near the explosion site.

With many homes unsecured by damaged doors and windows, the police chief said there would be extra roving patrols in the neighborhood.

“Do not get caught looting because it will not be a slap on the wrist,” said Acevedo.

What caused the explosion?

Chief Acevedo said multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are investigating the cause of the explosion. At the 9 a.m. press conference he said there was no evidence of terrorism.

Injuries reported from the explosion

Shortly after the explosion, officials said one person was transported to the hospital. Later Friday morning, the Houston Fire Department tweeted that 18 people self-reported to emergency rooms with minor injuries, such as cuts and breathing issues, associated with the explosion. Two people, presumably employees of the company, were killed, Acevedo said.

If my home was damaged in the explosion, who can I contact?

Do you need free legal advice following today’s explosion? Call Lone Star Legal Services at 713-652-0077 or the South Texas College of Law at 713-646-2990. You can also contact the Houston volunteer lawyers program at 713-228-0735.

What about residents in the affected areas?

Because many of the homes that were damaged aren’t inhabitable, officials will shift people from a shelter into temporary housing.

How you can help explosion victims

If you have any donations that you’d like to drop off for families affected by the explosion, please do so at the Duncan YMCA on Clay Road.

Is there anything dangerous in the air after the explosion?

All readings from HFD indicate there is nothing dangerous in the air.

At a news conference this morning, police said polypropylene was released from the explosion. City officials later clarified the release included propylene and liquid nitrogen, which are used to make polypropylene.

Is there an impact on Houston schools?

Bane Elementary and Dean Middle School were closed today to students and staff; all other facilities were open

Spring Branch ISD reports that all of their buildings were in good shape, but there could be delays in transportation. They are also keeping students and staff inside as a precaution. All after school activities and athletic events will proceed as scheduled.

YES Prep Northwest campus, which is in the area, is open today. They may experience bus delays, but classes will resume as normal. Students will be kept indoors.

Houston ISD said they do not have any schools in the immediate area that are being affected and will be operating under normal procedures today.

Houston explosion’s effect on traffic

Gessner both northbound and southbound between Tanner and Clay is closed. Clay in both directions — eastbound and westbound — at Gessner is closed. Tanner in both directions — eastbound and westbound — is closed at Gessner.

Gessner will be closed for the rest of Friday.

No evacuation at this time, but avoid the area

Though there are no evacuations ordered, people are being told to avoid the area around 4500 block of Gessner. Reporter Adam Bennett reports that firefighters are going door-to-door in the area, telling people there’s not a mandatory evacuation, but suggest people consider getting out of the area because they’re not completely sure what’s in the air.

Video captures Houston explosion

One viewer shared video from their doorbell camera that show the blast.

Another viewer sent in surveillance video where you can hear the loud blast.

Officers on scene said there could be a secondary explosion and the air quality may pose a threat, and instructed our KHOU 11 crew away from the scene.

Right now there is no confirmation as to what caused the explosion.

KHOU 11’s tower camera shows what appeared to be smoke off 290 in northwest Houston.

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