Massive Fire at Shell Refinery in Deer Park Causes Evacuations and Injuries

An explosion at a Shell chemical plant near Deer Park, Texas, has caused a massive fire, with black smoke seen billowing from the plant. The cause of the explosion and the chemical burning off are unknown, and it is unclear if the plant was evacuated. No injuries have been reported, and a Shelter in Place was not issued for the city of Deer Park. The Harris County Fire Marshal and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are responding to the incident. The Shell plant has been in the city of Deer Park since 1929 and operates 24 hours a day.