Local sources report that an explosion at an oil pipeline has triggered a massive fire near the town of Encinal, Texas.
The explosion took place at a Lewis Energy Group facility at around 4 a.m. local time Friday, a quarter mile away from the Encinal and close to Highway 44, according to ABC's South Texas affiliate KSAT.
Encinal City Manager Velma Davila said that there are no evacuations, but she warned that the fire is expected to burn for the next few hours. As such, she welcomed any residents who don't feel safe to seek shelter in city hall, reported Heart. Some residents were reported to have shown up due to the intense heat.
An elementary school in the town has opted to cancel classes for the day after buses were unable to enter the town.
A representative for Lewis Energy Group revealed that officials are investigating the cause of the explosion.
"We are currently investigating the cause of the incident," Tony Travino, general counsel for Lewis Energy Group, said in a press release, reported Sky News. "No injuries have been reported. Local fire and police are monitoring the situation and all precautions are being taken to protect the safety of residents of the Encinal Community. Lewis Energy Group is undertaking appropriate efforts to extinguish the fire. Further details are to follow as more information is learned."
