INSIDER
‘Tanker explosion:’ 18-wheeler carrying crude oil catches fire after being hit by SUV east of Giddings
Read full article: ‘Tanker explosion:’ 18-wheeler carrying crude oil catches fire after being hit by SUV east of GiddingsA tanker truck caught fire after being hit by an SUV on Highway 290 between Houston and Austin.
House explosion rocks Virginia neighborhood as police try to serve search warrant
Read full article: House explosion rocks Virginia neighborhood as police try to serve search warrantPolice in Arlington County, which is near Washington, D.C., said someone fired a flare gun from inside his home and then fired other rounds before the blast.
PHOTOS: Chemical release causes massive fire to erupt at INEOS pipeline in Brazoria County, company says
Read full article: PHOTOS: Chemical release causes massive fire to erupt at INEOS pipeline in Brazoria County, company saysMassive flames erupted in Brazoria County Thursday due to a chemical release in pipelines at an INEOS remote valve site, a spokesperson for the company said.
Family of worker who died in explosion says he prepared them, believing ‘Marathon would kill him’
Read full article: Family of worker who died in explosion says he prepared them, believing ‘Marathon would kill him’Accountability and answers - it’s the reason behind a petition filed on behalf of the family who lost their dad in Monday’s explosion at the Marathon Petroleum Refinery in Texas City.
INEOS plant explosion: Injured worker files $1M lawsuit
Read full article: INEOS plant explosion: Injured worker files $1M lawsuitThe worker who was injured during the explosion at the INEOS cumene production facility in Pasadena last month has since filed a lawsuit against the company for more than $1M.
Fire ruled accidental by officials at INEOS chemical plant in Pasadena after explosion
Read full article: Fire ruled accidental by officials at INEOS chemical plant in Pasadena after explosionHarris County hazmat is responding to a possible pipeline explosion at a chemical plant in Pasadena Wednesday afternoon.
Man trying to light barbecue grill with gas can injured in explosion in NE Harris County, officials say
Read full article: Man trying to light barbecue grill with gas can injured in explosion in NE Harris County, officials sayA man has to be taken to the hospital by Life Flight after a gas explosion in a northeast Harris County neighborhood.
ONLY ON 2: Homeowners speak out after rescuing man from burning car moments before it exploded in Spring
Read full article: ONLY ON 2: Homeowners speak out after rescuing man from burning car moments before it exploded in SpringA homeowner in Spring jumped into action and rescued a man whose truck crashed and caught on fire.
At least 4 dead as explosion rocks popular pedestrian street in Turkish city of Istanbul
Read full article: At least 4 dead as explosion rocks popular pedestrian street in Turkish city of IstanbulAn explosion rocked a popular pedestrian street in the Turkish city of Istanbul, injuring a number of people, a senior official said Sunday.
Firefighters investigating explosion, blaze at business in Atascocita, HCFMO says
Read full article: Firefighters investigating explosion, blaze at business in Atascocita, HCFMO saysOfficials with the Atascocita Fire Department and Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said they are working to put out a blaze caused by an explosion at a business in Atascocita Friday.
3 family members, including a toddler, killed in Missouri house explosion
Read full article: 3 family members, including a toddler, killed in Missouri house explosionIt’s believed that the explosion was caused by propane gas that filled the home either from a gas cook stove or a gas water heater, authorities said.
Residents evacuated after explosion on natural gas line sends flames into air in Fort Bend County, officials say
Read full article: Residents evacuated after explosion on natural gas line sends flames into air in Fort Bend County, officials sayA pipeline explosion in Fort Bend County has forced residents in the area to evacuate Thursday afternoon.
Explosion shuts down Freeport LNG’s liquefaction facility for next 3 weeks, officials say
Read full article: Explosion shuts down Freeport LNG’s liquefaction facility for next 3 weeks, officials sayThe U.S. Coast Guard and emergency crews responded Wednesday to an explosion at an oil and gas facility, according to Surfside Police Department.
Man injured after suspected gas leak causes East End home to explode, firefighters say
Read full article: Man injured after suspected gas leak causes East End home to explode, firefighters sayA man suffered first and second-degree burns after a suspected gas leak caused an East End home to explode early Saturday, Houston firefighters said.
Sonic Drive-in employee escapes major injury after car explodes outside restaurant in NW Houston, police say
Read full article: Sonic Drive-in employee escapes major injury after car explodes outside restaurant in NW Houston, police sayA man walked away from serious injuries after Houston police say his car exploded outside a northwest Houston Sonic Drive-in restaurant late Friday night.
6 people -- including 4 firefighters -- injured in Dallas building partial collapse
Read full article: 6 people -- including 4 firefighters -- injured in Dallas building partial collapseSix people were injured, including four firefighters, after an explosion Wednesday morning at an apartment complex in south Dallas, authorities said.
Gas leak in Texas home likely caused blast that injured 6
Read full article: Gas leak in Texas home likely caused blast that injured 6Fire officials say a gas leak in a suburban Dallas home was the likely cause of an explosion that destroyed the house and heavily damaged the two next door, injuring six people.
VIDEO: Dashcam captures tanker truck explosion while driving on freeway
Read full article: VIDEO: Dashcam captures tanker truck explosion while driving on freewayPolice have released new footage captured by a dashcam, showing the moments leading up to a tanker truck explosion on an interstate in the Detroit area.
26-year-old man dies in explosion at baby shower, report says
Read full article: 26-year-old man dies in explosion at baby shower, report saysGAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 26-year-old Michigan man died Sunday after a novelty cannon exploded at a baby shower, according to a report by WDIV. Evan Thomas Silva was struck by shrapnel when the cannon exploded, authorities said. Police said gunpowder loaded into the device caused the cannon to fracture and spread shrapnel across the area. Police said the cannon did not have a projectile and was designed to create a big flash, smoke and a loud noise, WDIV reported. It reportedly had been fired multiple times before the baby shower with no issue.
One year after massive explosion at Watson Grinding, homeowners still dealing with the aftermath
Read full article: One year after massive explosion at Watson Grinding, homeowners still dealing with the aftermathHOUSTON – One year after an explosion devastated the Spring Branch community, homeowners are still dealing with the aftermath. The blast took place at the Watson Grinding & Manufacturing Company on Jan. 24, 2020. The explosion is being blamed for the death of two Watson Grinding & Manufacturing Co. employees and another person who’s family filed a lawsuit against the company. “We are in a much better position in terms of regulating what is next to you than we were before the Watson explosion. The former owners of Watson Grinding & Manufacturing Co. issued this statement Friday through a public relations firm ahead of the anniversary of the explosion:As we reflect on the terrible event that occurred one year ago, we express our sincere condolences to everyone affected.
WATCH: Nashville police bodycam footage shows moments after Christmas Day blast
Read full article: WATCH: Nashville police bodycam footage shows moments after Christmas Day blastNASHVILLE, Tenn. – The dramatic moments immediately after the Christmas Day explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, were caught on camera by one of the police officers at the scene. Releasing the video on Monday, Metro Nashville police said that officer Michael Sipos had been issued with his body camera only a few days earlier.’RELATED: ‘I couldn’t believe what I was seeing’: Houston woman recounts what it was like to live through the Nashville explosionThe recording from Officer Sipos’ camera captures officers helping people evacuate after the thunderous blast off camera. Car alarms and sirens wailed as a voice on the dispatcher calls for all available personnel and a roll call, as people stumble through the downtown area littered with glass. READ MORE: Bomber to neighbor: The world is ‘never going to forget me’While officials on Sunday named Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, as the man behind the mysterious explosion in which he was killed, the motive has remained elusive. The explosion severely damaged dozens of downtown buildings and injured three people.
Houston family hopes to rebuild after explosion destroys home of 51 years
Read full article: Houston family hopes to rebuild after explosion destroys home of 51 yearsHOUSTON – CenterPoint Energy crews spent much of Monday trying to figure out the source of Sunday morning’s explosion in southeast Houston. The secondary one sparked a fire, which demolished the place Delover Burns and his wife, Jewell, have called home for 51 years. Burns said he and his wife woke up to a strong smell of gas Sunday morning. “I said honey that kitchen sure looks foggy looking and I said I smell gas,” Burns said. “Call the gas company 10 minutes to 9 a.m.”Burns said CenterPoint Energy did not arrive until noon, after the explosion.
WATCH: Massive fire caused by explosion engulfs home, damages multiple others
Read full article: WATCH: Massive fire caused by explosion engulfs home, damages multiple othersHOUSTON – A homeowner said she is glad to be alive after her house exploded into a fireball that damaged multiple homes in southeast Houston. The explosion happened around 11 a.m. Sunday at a home in the 6000 block of Doulton Drive near Bellfort Avenue. “This was an explosion I mean it was a ball of fire it was whoop it just went up,” Whitfield said. Homeowner Jewell Meyers told KPRC 2 photographer Wladimir Moquete that she noticed the smell of gas Sunday morning. “I wasn’t going to stay in there smelling that gas that strong,” Meyers said.
US officials: Suspect in Nashville explosion died in blast
Read full article: US officials: Suspect in Nashville explosion died in blastFederal officials now turn to exploring the monumental task of piecing together the motive behind the Christmas Day explosion that severely damaged dozens of buildings and injured three in downtown Nashville, Tenn. While officials have named 63-year-old Warner as the man behind the mysterious explosion in which he was killed, the motive has remained elusive. (Courtesy of FBI via AP)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The man believed to be responsible for the Christmas Day bombing that tore through downtown Nashville blew himself up in the explosion, and appears to have acted alone, federal officials said Sunday. “Nashville is considered safe," said Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. Officials said their identification of Warner relied on several key pieces of evidence, including DNA found at the explosion site.
‘I couldn’t believe what I was seeing’: Houston woman recounts what it was like to live through the Nashville explosion
Read full article: ‘I couldn’t believe what I was seeing’: Houston woman recounts what it was like to live through the Nashville explosionNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nicole Garza and her husband, cousin and 4-year-old daughter packed their car and arrived in Nashville on Tuesday for a spur-of-the-moment holiday getaway. “Christmas Eve we baked cookies with my daughter, and we served chocolate milk and we set them out for Santa,” Garza said. A window in the Airbnb where Garza was staying popped out of the frame due to the explosion. “(The dispatcher) didn’t have answers for us. Garza said a few minutes later, they heard two smaller explosions, a woman screaming and police banging on doors nearby.
Human remains found near site of Nashville explosion, officials say
Read full article: Human remains found near site of Nashville explosion, officials say(Metro Nashville PD via AP)NASHVILLE – A recreational vehicle parked in the deserted streets of downtown Nashville exploded early Christmas morning, causing widespread communications outages that took down police emergency systems and grounded holiday travel at the city’s airport. Police were responding to a report of shots fired Friday when they encountered the RV blaring a recorded warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said. “This morning’s attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope. Police believe the blast was intentional but don’t yet know a motive or target, and Drake noted that officials had not received any threats before the explosion. The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted flights out of Nashville International Airport because of telecommunications issues associated with the explosion.
1 injured in Hempstead home explosion on Christmas Eve
Read full article: 1 injured in Hempstead home explosion on Christmas EveHEMPSTEAD, Texas – A Hempstead man was injured Thursday night in a home explosion, officials said. At approximately 10:20 p.m. Thursday, fire crews with the Hempstead Fire Department were dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of 5th Street on reports of an explosion. When he opened the door, “some type of explosion” occurred, said Dean Hensley, an investigator with Waller County Fire Marshal’s Office. A man at the scene said his uncle was the one injured in the explosion. “My uncle’s pretty burned,” said Saucedo.
High-rise explosion in Baltimore injures 10, leaves 2 workers trapped on dangling scaffolding
Read full article: High-rise explosion in Baltimore injures 10, leaves 2 workers trapped on dangling scaffoldingBALTIMORE – An explosion in a high-rise building in Baltimore injured at least 10 people and temporarily trapped two workers on dangling scaffolding. The city’s fire department tweeted that nine of the victims were in critical condition, while another was in serious condition. The trapped workers were rescued through a window. The firefighters’ union tweeted that evidence points to an explosion on the 16th floor of the downtown building, where the offices of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company are located. “Window washing scaffolding was comprised because of the incident and a window washing crew was pulled to safety by the fire department,” Weaver said in a statement.
‘Multiple casualties’ after explosion at UK sewage plant
Read full article: ‘Multiple casualties’ after explosion at UK sewage plantEmergency services attend to a large explosion at a warehouse in Bristol, England, Thursday Dec. 3, 2020. A local British emergency services department says there have been multiple casualties following a large explosion at a warehouse near the southwest England city of Bristol. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)LONDON – Four people died following an explosion in a silo that holds treated biosolids at a wastewater treatment plant near the southwest England city of Bristol, police said Thursday. A fifth person was injured during the explosion at the plant in the industrial area of Avonmouth, but the injuries are not considered life-threatening, Runacres said. “Deeply saddened to learn that four people have lost their lives in the water works explosion in Avonmouth,” Johnson said on Twitter.
WATCH: Massive fire along refinery row in Corpus Christi
Read full article: WATCH: Massive fire along refinery row in Corpus ChristiCORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Firefighters are working to put out a massive fire along refinery row in Corpus Christi. According to Corpus Christi police, the incident happened near Lantana and along River Road. A Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was launched to the scene, hoisted two injured crewmembers, and transferred them to Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area. A Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was launched to the scene, hoisted two injured crewmembers, and transferred them to Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area. A Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was launched to the scene, hoisted two injured crewmembers, and transferred them to Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area.
Lebanon begins partial lockdown amid spike in virus cases
Read full article: Lebanon begins partial lockdown amid spike in virus casesBEIRUT – Lebanon on Friday began a two-week partial lockdown and nighttime curfew after coronavirus cases increased sharply following an explosion in Beirut that killed and injured thousands of people. Confirmed cases of the virus have increased from 5,417 a day after the massive blast on Aug. 4 to more than 11,000 on Friday, leading officials to announce the lockdown. Virus cases had already been on the rise since the beginning of July, when an earlier lockdown was lifted and Lebanon’s only international airport was reopened. The blast overwhelmed the city’s hospitals and also badly damaged two that had a key role in handling virus cases. On Wednesday and Thursday, the UAE discovered over 400 confirmed cases of the virus, its highest numbers in about a month amid an aggressive testing campaign.
1 dead, 7 rescued after gas explosion levels Baltimore homes
Read full article: 1 dead, 7 rescued after gas explosion levels Baltimore homesBALTIMORE – A natural gas explosion destroyed three row houses in Baltimore on Monday morning, killing a woman and trapping other people in the debris. Seven people were hospitalized, while a woman was pronounced dead at the scene, The Baltimore City Fire Department said on its Twitter page. The Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. has thousands of miles of obsolete pipes that need to be replaced, an effort that would cost nearly $1 billion and take two decades, the newspaper said. “Area inspections will encompass homes and gas equipment in a wide area to ensure there is no additional damage,” the statement said. Last year, a gas explosion ripped the façade off a Maryland office complex in Columbia, affecting more than 20 businesses.
1 dead, 7 rescued after gas explosion levels Baltimore homes
Read full article: 1 dead, 7 rescued after gas explosion levels Baltimore homesBALTIMORE – A natural gas explosion destroyed three row houses in Baltimore on Monday morning, killing a woman and trapping other people in the debris. Seven people were hospitalized, while a woman was pronounced dead at the scene, The Baltimore City Fire Department said on its Twitter page. The Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. has thousands of miles of obsolete pipes that need to be replaced, an effort that would cost nearly $1 billion and take two decades, the newspaper said. “Area inspections will encompass homes and gas equipment in a wide area to ensure there is no additional damage,” the statement said. Last year, a gas explosion ripped the façade off a Maryland office complex in Columbia, affecting more than 20 businesses.
‘Devastating for the country’: Houstonians recall surviving Lebanon explosion
Read full article: ‘Devastating for the country’: Houstonians recall surviving Lebanon explosionHOUSTON – Members of a well-known Lebanese family from Houston survived the catastrophic explosion in Lebanon on Tuesday. “Everybody knows somebody who was in one way or another affected by this,” Susan Hage said via zoom from Lebanon. “He loved Houston, he taught us to love Houston,” his daughter, Rita Joubran said. “But he taught us to always remember where we came from.”Every summer for decades, the family returned to Lebanon. It’s devastating for the country.
Videos and photos emerging on social media of Beirut explosion
Read full article: Videos and photos emerging on social media of Beirut explosionA massive explosion happened in Beirut on Tuesday, causing immense damage and destruction, according to multiple reports. The explosion happened in downtown Beirut, and according to reports, was big enough to have a mushroom cloud rise above the capital city. Videos and photos of the explosion and its destruction have started to surface on social media, and words don’t do justice to how much devastation this explosion has on the city. I felt like I’m dying, I still can’t believe it #Lebanon #Beirut pic.twitter.com/EMTS470FOH — Ahmad M. Yassine | أحمد م. ياسين (@Lobnene_Blog) August 4, 2020BREAKING: Massive explosion in Beirut.
Massive Beirut blast kills more than 70, injures thousands
Read full article: Massive Beirut blast kills more than 70, injures thousandsBEIRUT – A massive explosion rocked Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the city's port, damaging buildings across the capital and sending a giant mushroom cloud into the sky. Lebanon's interior minister said it appeared that a large cache of ammonium nitrate in the port had detonated. Charbel Haj, who works at the port, said the blast started as small explosions like firecrackers. Many residents reported hearing planes overhead just before the blast, fueling rumors of an attack, though Israeli military overflights are common. The blast came at a time when Lebanon’s economy is facing collapse from the financial crisis and the coronavirus restrictions.
Trump: Massive explosion in Beirut was likely an 'attack'
Read full article: Trump: Massive explosion in Beirut was likely an 'attack'WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said U.S. military generals have told him that they think the massive explosion that rocked Beirut on Tuesday, killing more than 70 people, was likely a bomb. I've met with some of our great generals and they just seem to feel that this was not some kind of manufacturing explosion type of an event. They seem to think it was an attack. It was a bomb of some kind.The explosion flattened much of a port and damaged buildings across the capital, sending a giant mushroom cloud into the sky. The death toll, which currently stands at more than 70, and more than 3,000 others were injured, with bodies buried in the rubble, officials said.
Gas pipeline in Mont Belvieu erupts in flames after cut by contractor, officials say
Read full article: Gas pipeline in Mont Belvieu erupts in flames after cut by contractor, officials sayHOUSTON A natural gas pipeline erupted in flames in Mont Belvieu after it was accidentally cut Wednesday afternoon by a contractor, officials said. At about 4:45 p.m., the rupture and fire was reported on the line owned by Lone Star NGL, company officials said. The fire and efforts to bring it under control closed Texas 146, however, a Mont Belvieu spokesman said. Firefighters have the leak contained and are monitoring while flames burn themselves out, spokesman Brian Ligon said. Due to the ongoing firefighting operations, water pressure throughout the city may be affected as the public works department divert as much water as possible to support the response to the blaze.
Nearby business feels aftershocks of explosion at bar in Houstons Museum District Friday morning
Read full article: Nearby business feels aftershocks of explosion at bar in Houstons Museum District Friday morningHOUSTON Nearby businesses are boarding up Friday after an early morning explosion at Bar 5015 in Houstons Museum District that investigators say was intentionally set. Catch the person who did it, said Marlon Brooks, the owner of Brooks Family BBQ. While some businesses were damaged in the explosion, others were destroyed including a trailer for Brooks Family BBQ that was also set up on the bars property. Ive got an opportunity to kind of rebuild and weather the storm until this COVID thing is over, Brooks said. The business has since set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to rebuild.
Homes near the Museum District damaged by Bar 5015 building explosion
Read full article: Homes near the Museum District damaged by Bar 5015 building explosionHOUSTON – Multiple homes were damaged when a bar exploded in the Museum District Friday morning. “It was a deafening, almost like a bomb coming through your house,” said Lawrence McQueen. These homes are the closest to Bar 5015 on Almeda and Wichita, the site of an explosion while everyone was asleep. “I had 39 new windows put in last year, most of them are broke.”The impact was so bad some homes may have foundation issues. While residents on Wichita Street swept glass and picked up debris preparing for repairs, they’re glad it wasn’t worse.
Fire erupts at ExxonMobil refinery in Louisiana; no injuries
Read full article: Fire erupts at ExxonMobil refinery in Louisiana; no injuriesBATON ROUGE, La. – A fire inside an ExxonMobil refinery in Louisiana turned the night sky a shade of orange and sent a large plume of smoke into the air. The fire erupted at the facility in Baton Rouge around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Baton Rouge Fire Department spokesman Curt Monte told news outlets. ExxonMobil is the largest manufacturing employer in Louisiana and its Baton Rouge refinery is the fifth largest in the country, WAFB-TV reported. There was no off-site impact, fire department spokesman Monte said.
Judge grants temporary restraining order to continue blocking part of explosion site
Read full article: Judge grants temporary restraining order to continue blocking part of explosion siteHOUSTON – Lawyers representing the residents who are suing Watson Grinding and Manufacturing filed a restraining order to prevent the city from cleaning up any evidence from a blast that left two people dead and hundreds of homes damaged beyond repair. The lawyers presented their order to a judge at a hearing Thursday morning where they asked for the street to be kept as is in order for them to conduct their own, independent investigation without compromising any critical evidence. To the lawyers’ surprise, the city fought that order in Thursday morning’s hearing, but ultimately the temporary restraining order was granted to continue blocking a portion of Steffani lane, which sits adjacent to the site of last week’s explosion. Mohamed Aziz, who is representing the Frank Flores family, said that he, Kwok and several other lawyers in the courtroom were surprised by the city’s push back. “It is ridiculous the city won’t help us or even help the investigation," Aziz said.
Spring Branch couple files lawsuit after deadly explosion destroys their home, injures their children
Read full article: Spring Branch couple files lawsuit after deadly explosion destroys their home, injures their childrenHOUSTON – A Spring Branch couple has filed a lawsuit against Watson Grinding and Manufacturing. “I turned the light on, and I just saw the whole ceiling was gone and it was all on the bed, I couldn’t see my son,” Burnam said. “My daughter, she wakes up crying, it’s just hard.”The family hired attorney Ryan Zehl with Zehl & Associates. Zehl said Watson Grinding and Manufacturing needs to take responsibility for the explosion. The couple said the toughest part is feeling like the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing are not doing their part to help them during this difficult time.
Local attorney walks through homes affected by NW Houston explosion; CEO of manufacturing facility responds
Read full article: Local attorney walks through homes affected by NW Houston explosion; CEO of manufacturing facility respondsHOUSTON – Five days after an explosion took two lives and damaged more than 400 homes in northwest Houston, one local attorney is advocating for homeowners in finding out what happened and who should be held accountable. "This is a huge catastrophic disaster where people have lost their homes," Rob Kwok, with Kwok Daniel Law Firm, said. Kwok is representing more than 115 homeowners who live in northwest Houston. Kwok said homeowners should be wary of insurance companies and should consider hiring an advocate who will fight for homeowners. “Watson Grinding is going to have a certain amount of insurance, and I don’t think that’s going to be enough to cover all the extent of the damages.
Evidence at deadly blast site in northwest Houston to be preserved after victims’ families file lawsuit
Read full article: Evidence at deadly blast site in northwest Houston to be preserved after victims’ families file lawsuitOn Monday afternoon, a judge granted an order ensuring all evidence to be preserved as investigators try to determine the cause of the blast. The judge granted a temporary restraining order. 2. Who asked for the temporary restraining order? What’s included in the temporary restraining order? An attorney representing Watson Grinding & Manufacturing had no comment after Monday’s proceedings.
450 structures damaged in northwest Houston explosion last week, HFD says
Read full article: 450 structures damaged in northwest Houston explosion last week, HFD saysHOUSTON – A new assessment revealed about 450 structures were damaged following a massive, fatal explosion at a business in northwest Houston Friday, according to the Office of Emergency Management and the Houston Fire Department. Debris from the explosion littered the surrounding areas and some nearby residents told KPRC 2 the foundation of their homes was damaged from the shockwave. In the hours following the Friday explosion, HFD Chief Sam Peña said there were about 214 homes that were damaged. (KPRC via Tharindu N)The number of damaged structures was increased to 450 Monday after an assessment by the Office of Emergency Management. Of the 450 damaged structures, officials say:35 structures had major damage358 structures had minor damage57 structures were affectedIt is unclear how many damaged structures were homes and how many were businesses.
If your home was damaged in northwest Houston explosion, this is how to get repairs paid by insurance company
Read full article: If your home was damaged in northwest Houston explosion, this is how to get repairs paid by insurance companyYour insurance company will likely go after Watson Grinding & Manufacturing to get all of the money back they paid for repairing your home. This means that your insurance company should not factor your home’s depreciation into the money you will receive for repairs. You can hire a public insurance adjuster at any time. Cal Spoon, a public insurance adjuster and owner of InsuranceBusters.net said there is a 2 year statute of limitations after you receive your offer from your insurance company to dispute it with a public insurance adjuster. To do business in Texas, public insurance adjusters must be licensed with the Texas Department of Insurance.
Construction professionals advise homeowners to get home inspected after explosion in northwest Houston
Read full article: Construction professionals advise homeowners to get home inspected after explosion in northwest HoustonHOUSTON – Many homeowners asset the next steps for the recovery after an explosion Friday morning at a local company damaged more than 200 homes. A Houston-based construction company is advising residents to get their home inspected, and if possible for free. Marcelo Parrott lives a quarter-mile from the site of the explosion in northwest Houston. Laney said regardless of how little the damage looks, she recommends that homeowners get their home inspected by a reputable construction company that can provide a report. Homeowners should also do their due diligence to be aware of the scope of the damage, she said.
What we know about Gerardo Castorena, a victim in the deadly northwest Houston explosion
Read full article: What we know about Gerardo Castorena, a victim in the deadly northwest Houston explosionHOUSTON – Two employees of the Watson Valve Services company were killed in an explosion at the business early Friday morning in northwest Houston. The men, identified as Frank Flores and Gerardo Castorena, were at the business using the gym facilities when the blast occurred at 4:20 a.m., officials with the Houston Fire Department said in a press conference. My deepest condolences to the families of Mr Frank Flores and Mr Gerardo Castorena on their terrible loss. Gerardo Castorena was one of two victims killed in an explosion in northwest Houston on Jan. 24, 2020. “I wouldn’t have a dad if he wasn’t late,” Martinez said.
Here is how you can help those impacted by the northwest Houston explosion
Read full article: Here is how you can help those impacted by the northwest Houston explosionHOUSTON – About 200 homes are damaged, in some cases, destroyed in an explosion Friday morning at the Watson Grinding & Manufacturing in northwest Houston. The American Red Cross has established an overnight shelter at Fairbanks United Methodist Church at 14210 Aston St. for those displaced by the explosion. The Red Cross said the shelter will stay open so long as there is a need. Volunteers are asking those who want to help the people to bring packaged food or donate to the Red Cross. Users can offer or request help as well as mark themselves safe from the Houston explosion.
This is what residents are saying on social media after explosion rocked northwest Houston
Read full article: This is what residents are saying on social media after explosion rocked northwest HoustonHOUSTON – Northwest Houston residents turned to social media early Friday morning after an explosion at a business. Here are some of the posts we’re seeing about what resident say happened and the devastation they’re finding in and around their homes. #houstonexplosion pic.twitter.com/PyJGgEJftk — Owen Conflenti 📺 (@kprc2owen) January 24, 2020Thoughts to all those near the #explosion. I pray for everyone’s safety 🙏🏻😰Watson Grinding & Manufacturing Co,4525 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77041#houstonexplosion #houston #houston_explosion pic.twitter.com/VUW0h5QN23 — imaa007 (@imaa007) January 24, 2020Facebook also deployed an “I’m safe” crisis response message Friday morning to some Houston residents. Facebook deployed a crisis response feature Friday after a massive explosion in northwest Houston.
All lanes reopened after massive 18-wheeler fire closes 59 northbound near Highway 36
Read full article: All lanes reopened after massive 18-wheeler fire closes 59 northbound near Highway 36HOUSTON – A flaming 18-wheeler spilled oil and closed all lanes of I-69 northbound just north of Highway 36 for hours Monday. As of 6:20 p.m., the wreck and oil have been cleared. All traffic was diverted to Highway 36 as officials worked to clean up the spilled oil and clear the wreck. Rosenberg police say two 18-wheelers collided on 59 at FM 2218 in front of Finnegan’s car dealership. LIVE: SKY 2 over the scene of a massive truck fire on Highway 59 near Highway 36.
1 injured when ruptured gas line causes explosion in Wharton County
Read full article: 1 injured when ruptured gas line causes explosion in Wharton CountyWHARTON COUNTY, Texas – One person was injured Thursday when a gas line ruptured, causing an explosion in Wharton County, according to Wharton County Emergency Management. The explosion happened at around 12:15 p.m. when a 24-inch below-ground gas line ruptured and exploded on state right-of-way on FM 1164 and Highway 90, about five miles west of East Bernard. Andy Kirkland, Wharton County Emergency Management Coordinator, said a man who was driving by in a truck was hurt. John Szymanski, Wharton County Precinct 2 Constable, said, "He was there when it exploded. The Wharton Co. Sheriff's Department, Wharton Co. Fire Department, East Bernard Volunteer Fire Department, Wallis Fire Department and Precinct 2 Constable's Office were on the scene.