Fire Still Burning After Large Gas Plant Explosion in Mississippi

A fire is still burning after an overnight explosion at an Enterprise Gas Processing, LLC natural gas plant in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Local TV station WLOX reported flames shooting into the air, stating that the explosion could be felt some ten miles away. According to Pascagoula Police Capt. Shannon Broom, first responders were notified of the incident at approximately 11:30 local time Monday night.

Jackson County Emergency Services Director Earl Etheridge said that there were two employees at the plant when the explosion occurred, although no injuries have been reported at this time. Etheridge stated that both on-site employees were in an explosion-proof room at the time, escaping injury.

No evacuation orders were given for the area, but according to Etheridge, some residents chose to leave the area. The plant refines gas from wells in the nearby Gulf of Mexico.

Etheridge said fire crews had planned to have the flames extinguished by sunrise on Tuesday. The Pascagoula Police Department issued a statement early Tuesday morning on its Facebook page stating: "We would like to let our citizens know that there has been an explosion at the Gas Plant, located at 6800 Stennis Blvd. It is contained to the building. We are working with state and local officials regarding this. There will be no evacuations at this time and there are no injuries. We will update you as more details become available."

By Lincoln Brown for Oilprice.com

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