Madison Meeks

Editor-in-Chief

mvm7037@psu.edu

SHEPHERD, TEXAS – A large chemical plant fire that has been the result of an explosion has caused black smoke into the sky.

Wednesday November 8, 2023 was when the chemical fire unfolded. The explosion and fire took place at Sound Resource Solutions, a plant that makes solvents for glue and paint remover. The president of the company, Geoff Harfield, has stated that only one employee was injured and is being treated for only minor burns.

Sound Resource Solution has been a part of the Sheperd community since 2013. According to NBC News, the company employs about 40 people and 39 of them are at home safe.

The fire at the plant caused the evacuation of a private school and an issue to shelter in place within five miles of the chemical plant was issued but was later changed to only one mile.

The explosion has caused highway 59 to close and people are urged to take an alternative route to avoid the area.

According to the Polk County Emergency Management Office, another shelter in place has been advised for the area of Livingston due to the smoke from the explosion heading towards the area. Residents have been advised to turn off all HVAC systems.

Official have stated that it is unknown if there are any effects from breathing in the chemicals in the air. The Livingston Police Department has backed up the Polk County Emergency Management Office and told residence to shelter in place.

According to NBC News, plant chemicals can cause serious eye damage or irritation, aspiration hazard, organ toxicity, and skin irraitation.