Chemical Plant Explosion In Texas Injures Three

PORT NECHES, Texas (AP) – A second explosion has torn through a Southeast Texas chemical plant about 13 hours after an initial blast injured three workers.  Witnesses say the explosion erupted shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday at the plant TCP Group operates in Port Neches, about 80 miles east of Houston. The force of the blast hurled debris high into the air, but no more  injuries were immediately reported.  Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick has ordered a mandatory evacuation of a 4-mile (7-kilometer) radius around the plant, including Port Neches and  neighboring Groves, Nederland and part of Port Arthur.  Troy Monk, director of health safety and security with TPC Group, said at a news conference Wednesday that it’s unclear how long it will take to extinguish the  fire.  Monk said the three workers who were injured during the blast – two TPC employees and a contractor – have been treated and released from hospitals in Port Arthur and Houston.  Monk said officials have not determined what caused the explosion, which blew out windows and knocked down doors of nearby homes.