Texas: An explosion at a San Jacinto chemical plant causes a large fire

The San Jacinto County (Texas) Office of Emergency Management reported that there was an explosion at the Shepherd chemical plant that set a large part of its facilities on fire. Due to the incident, a private school was evacuated and the authorities are asking people who live within a five-mile radius to take shelter while they deal with the situation.

"At this time a private school located on FM 1127 has been safely evacuated. All other residents living in a five-mile radius around this location should shelter in place at this time," the office said in a statement posted on Facebook.

"The effects of the chemical in the air are unknown"

Images showing the explosion have been posted on social networks. It is unclear whether anyone was injured in the explosion. "At this time, the effects of the chemical in the air are unknown," Polk County (Texas) officials said in a statement reported by NBC News.

Meanwhile, the Livingston City Police asked people to stay in their homes and turn off their electrical appliances. The police issued a statement that says, "Due to chemical plant fire in the Shepherd, Texas area, all Livingston area residents and businesses are being advised to shelter in place."