Massive pipeline fire burning near Houston began after a vehicle struck a valve, officials say

Massive pipeline fire burning near Houston began after a vehicle struck a valve, officials say DEER PARK, Texas (AP) — A massive pipeline fire burning for hours Monday near Houston began after vehicle struck an above-ground valve after driving through a fence, officials said. Juan A. Lozano, The Associated Press Sep 16, 2024 4:58 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message A pipeline carrying liquified natural gas burns near Spencer Highway and Summerton on Monday, Sept.

16, 2024, in La Porte, Texas. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP) DEER PARK, Texas (AP) — A massive pipeline fire burning for hours Monday near Houston began after vehicle struck an above-ground valve after driving through a fence, officials said. Officials in Deer Park said their police and local FBI agents have found no evidence of “terroristic activity.

” They said it also appears to be an isolated incident. The investigation is ongoing and includes an effort to identify the driver. The pipeline explosion erupted in a towering flame over neighborhoods for hours on Monday, forcing evacuations and shelter orders and melting playground equipment as firefighters struggled to keep nearby homes from burning.

Operators shut off the flow of natural gas liquids, but so much remained in the 20-inch (51-centimeter) pipeline that firefighters could do nothing but watch and hose down adjacent homes until it burns itself out. That could take hours, perhaps int.