Spring Branch Explosion

A massive explosion was felt across the Houston, Texas area in the early morning hours of Friday, January 24; this, in part, damaged nearby homes and buildings.

According to witnesses, the chemical explosion accident occurred around 4:24 a.m. at a business located in the 4500 block of Gessner Road.

The HPD subsequently estimated that the debris field was roughly a mile in diameter; however, this explosion's physical boundaries added to the indiscriminate carnage it inflicted on the city proved to be very wide indeed. Many were taken to the hospital by ambulance, per reports.

Since the gas leak is so widespread, first responders around the area should wear masks and accompany their fellow firefighters as they go door to door in the neighborhood, following up to make sure everyone is safe. There is no required evacuation order in place; however, you should, as always, consider the situation, and you are well being.

According to ABC News 13 and the Houston Chronicle, a machining and manufacturing company owned by Watson Grinding caused an explosion that went off, resulting in four people's death. The owner of the waste facility that exploded recently stated the blast originated from a propylene tank.

There have been a few school closures at this time. Due to its safety concerns and proximity to Dean Middle School and Bane Elementary School, the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District has closed Dean Middle School and Bane Elementary School on Friday, April 19, 2014. You can still visit all the other facilities.

The school explains that to protect consumers from the seriousness of their concerns, students will remain indoors across several other universities and high schools. They will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the website and social media as they become available.

Spring Branch Independent School District cannot guarantee that everyone will attend the school, but all facilities will remain open. Regarding the air quality, the district will keep students inside for the students' safety.

Houston Fire Dept. has affirmed the fumes from the Gessner explosion earlier this morning are non-toxic. Spring Branch ISD tweeted that it plans for a safe and regular school day for all SBISD schools.

It is recommended that there not be evacuation expecting, but rather, ensuring that traffic must be blocked off around the site. KHOU reports that Northbound between Tanner and Clay and Southbound between Clay and Tanner are both closed. The east and westbound side of Gessner is closed to traffic for alternate traffic to pass through. Due to construction at Gessner, the eastbound and westbound lanes of Tanger in both directions are closed.