PEOPLE BACK IN HOMES AFTER GAS PLANT EXPLOSION NEAR BELLVILLE

  

People have been allowed back into their homes after an explosion Tuesday morning at the Western International Gas plant near Bellville.

Evacuation zones for homes near the plant have been removed.  Sheriff Jack Brandes says that all highways and streets are open, and traffic is flowing regularly on Highway 159.

The first explosion on Tuesday came at 6 a.m., with additional explosions afterward.  20 area fire departments, including the Brenham Fire Department, assisted in water shuttling to provide water to extinguish the fires.  Brenham units were on the scene from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Fire personnel put out all the fires and were finished at the scene by 10 p.m.

No injuries were reported.  Sheriff Brandes commended the area fire departments and officers, as well as Western International officials, for their work during the situation.

The plant, which produces bulk gases like acetylene and other high-pressure gases, is located northeast of Bellville at 7173 Highway 159 East.  Authorities are still investigating what caused the explosions.