According to RT, all residents living within a radius of 6km from the TPC Group chemical plant in Port Neches were evacuated under the direction of District Judge Jefferson Jef Branick.
Residential areas subject to mandatory evacuation include: Port Neches, Nederland, Groves, Beauxart Gardens, Central Gardens as well as many areas of Port Arthur.
The chemical plant explosion began on the morning of November 27.
At least one powerful secondary explosion occurred at the chemical plant on the afternoon of November 27 despite efforts by authorities to control the fire.
The fire lasted for more than 12 hours.
Currently, authorities are working to deploy measures to prevent the risk of further explosions from the scene.
Local authorities said two employees and one contractor were injured in the initial explosion and were all hospitalized. Fortunately, all 3 were discharged from the hospital. There were up to 27 people working at the scene at the time of the explosion.
A giant column of black smoke can be seen from up to 80km away, according to RT. Local residents were advised to avoid the smoke and dust from the fire flying around the factory area.
Local officials said they will continue to monitor air quality in the area and have established a shelter.
The initial blast occurred in an area that produced and treated butadiene - a colorless gas with a gasoline-like smell used to produce synthetic rubber and plastic in many other materials.
Peyton Keith - TPC spokesperson said that long-term exposure to carbon gas causes the risk of cancer and heart disease.
He said the fire department plans to continue to put the fire at the butadien facility and focus on preventing the fire from spreading. He also could not predict when the fire would be brought under control.
