On June 26, 2024, a dramatic explosion rocked the Sound Resource Solutions chemical plant in Shepherd, Texas, igniting a massive fire and triggering emergency protocols. The blast, caused by a forklift accident, injured a worker who sustained minor burns and was promptly hospitalized.
The explosion sent thick black smoke into the sky, leading authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents within a one-mile radius. Additionally, a nearby private school was evacuated for safety.
The plant, which processes flammable chemicals like diesel and turpentine, contributed to the intensity of the blaze. Firefighters managed to contain the fire using foam and air quality tests confirmed no hazardous chemicals in the air. The incident temporarily shut down U.S. 59 but has been reopened.