An explosion at a chemical facility near Shepherd, Texas, has caused a large fire and towering columns of black smoke that are shooting into the sky. The San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management stated that the event happened early on Wednesday.

Watch Video-

Also read | Who is Francesca Martinez-Greenberg? NYC woman caught tearing down posters of kidnapped Israelis by Hamas

Due to intense fire, a private school on Farm-to-Market Road 1127 had to be evacuated, and officials quickly issued a shelter-in-place advisory that covered a five-mile radius around the school.

The visuals of the explosion and fire went viral on social media. Several X users reacted to it. One user wrote, “Anyone ever hear if we found the missing ammonium nitrate? Not that this is in the video, it would be much larger. Just haven’t heard any updates…”

“Explosions like the one in Texas show how the unexpected can hit anytime. Real strength is in preparation, not panic. Stay strong, stay ready” another user tweeted.

One X user wrote, “The government in the U.S. sure likes its chemical explosions every now and then.”

Also read | Who is Austin Prather? Triple shooting suspect identified in Pulaski County Kentucky

The San Jacinto County Precinct 2 Constable has verified that the structure in question was a petroleum processing factory.

As per reports, Highway 59 has been closed as a result of the explosion, leading local authorities to suggest alternate routes for commuters.

The explosion’s smoke plume is moving toward the Livingston area, according to the Polk County Emergency Management Office. Residents are being advised to seek cover and to quickly turn off the HVAC systems in their homes and places of business.

Also read | Who is Ariana Del Rosario? Apple fires employee for posting antisemitic content on TikTok and Instagram

Polk County officials have said that they are now unsure of the chemical’s influence in the atmosphere. Similarly, until more information is available, the Livingston Police Department is advising locals to stay inside and turn off their air conditioning units.