**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**LONGVIEW, TX – September 26, 2024** – A significant explosion occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. Central Time today at an industrial chemical facility located in the 400 block of Industrial Boulevard in Longview, Texas.
**What:** A large-scale explosion, followed by a fire, destroyed a storage unit and caused structural damage to nearby buildings. Emergency officials have confirmed the release of an undetermined chemical agent into the atmosphere.
**When:** The detonation was reported at 14:15 hours local time. Emergency response crews remain on the scene as of 17:00 hours.
**Where:** The incident occurred at a private chemical manufacturing and storage facility within the Gregg County industrial corridor, approximately three miles east of downtown Longview.
**Why:** The preliminary cause of the explosion is under active investigation by the Longview Fire Department and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Early reports suggest a potential chemical reaction within a storage tank containing industrial solvents, though sabotage has not been ruled out.
**How:** According to eyewitness testimony and seismic data, a single, high-order explosion was followed by a sustained fire. Local authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order for a one-mile radius, affecting approximately 2,000 residents. Hospitals in the region are on standby for chemical inhalation injuries.
**Impact:**
- **Casualties:** Three facility workers are unaccounted for; two minor injuries have been reported among nearby residents due to falling debris.
- **Transportation:** All rail and truck routes through the industrial zone are closed indefinitely.
- **Air Quality:** Black smoke plumes are visible for 15 miles. The TCEQ is monitoring for airborne toxins.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the area and monitor official channels for evacuation updates. The facility’s parent company has not yet issued a formal statement.