FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Emergency crews responded to a pipeline explosion just west of Orchard in west Fort Bend County late Thursday morning, according to the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.
The 24-inch natural gas pipeline, owned by Energy Transfer out of Dallas, exploded sometime before 11 a.m in the 15400 block of JoAnn near FM 1952. . The explosion caused minor grass fires in the area.
Energy Transfer was quickly able to turn the gas line off and the flames from the explosion were cleared within an hour, officials said.
Nearby residents said they heard the explosion when it happened.
"It was like a loud explosion. It was like a pop, loud loud loud pop, and I jumped and ran to the front door so I saw the flames," said a resident. "They were about 15 stories high before the blue smoke started. That's what I estimated. It was well over the house."
The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management said the area is isolated in a field and all of the area surrounding is restricted. Residents in the surrounding area were evacuated out of precaution.
Officials added that they don't know what caused the explosion but there will be an investigation.
Energy Transfer sent us the following statement.
"Our control center immediately shut in the line and the area was secured. There were no injuries. By shutting in the line and isolating the impacted section of the pipeline line, the fire was allowed to safely burn itself by 12:30pm. All appropriate regulatory agencies have been notified. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available."