Two weeks after a pipeline explosion rocked a Deer Park neighborhood, residents are still reeling from the damage that left several homes uninhabitable.
While police continue to investigate the cause of the fire, authorities say the explosion was triggered when a vehicle crashed into the pipeline.
Earlier this week, the driver was identified as Johnathan McEvoy. The investigation is ongoing, but for many residents, the reality of returning to normalcy is still far off.
A walk down the affected neighborhood shows the stark aftermath: boarded-up homes, tarps covering damaged roofs, shattered windows, and walls scorched black by the intense heat. Restoration crews move in and out of the houses, attempting to salvage whatever they can. Repairs could take months, leaving some families displaced indefinitely.
Robert Blair, one of the residents whose home sustained damage, described the terrifying moment of the explosion.
“It was just a big explosion, a big ball of fire — hot,” Blair recalled. “I opened the front door to go out, but it was just so hot, it felt like somebody had a blow torch right in front of you.”
Blair’s home is now marred with signs of heat damage. He pointed out parts of his property where the flames melted his yard’s watering system and where the exterior bricks appear to be separating from the house.
“I’m worried about the integrity of the house,” Blair said.
Some homes across the street suffered only minor damage, allowing residents to return. Others, however, remain vacant with barricades out front, while crews work to clean up and secure the area.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said her insurance is covering repairs and providing a temporary rental.
As the investigation continues, residents are left to rebuild and recover, one day at a time.
KPRC 2 reached out to the City of Deer Park asking if there is an update on the investigation but we did not hear back.