CREWS ON THE SCENE OF EXPLOSIONS AT BELLVILLE PLANT

  

Austin Co. Sheriff Jack Brandes has confirmed a series of explosions this morning at Western International Gas and Cylinders plant near Bellville.

According to Brandes, the first explosion at the plant came at around 6:00 a.m., with more explosions to follow.  The Western International plant, which produces bulk gases like acetylene and other high-pressure gases, is located northeast of Bellville at 7173 Highway 159 East.

No injuries have been reported.

Sheriff Brandes says traffic is now flowing on Highway 159 in both east and west-bound lanes, from Bellville to Lambert.  The mandatory evacuation zone for homes near the plant has been reduced to a one-mile radius.  Brandes says fire departments are pacifying any flames.

Multiple law enforcement and emergency response agencies are at the scene.