An explosion and fire in Corpus Christi at the Port of Corpus Christi Ship Channel has left 6 people hurt and 4 workers missing.
Fire Chief Robert Rocha says a pipeline exploded after a barge that was dredging the canal hit it. The flames then spread from the pipeline to a grain elevator.
Initial reports indicated that 18 workers were working in the area, and of those, eight are uninjured, four were transported by ambulance to local hospitals, and two were transported by helicopter by the U.S. Coast Guard to Bay Area Hospital.
Four workers are missing and search and rescue efforts continue.
"The State of Texas is working closely with local partners in Corpus Christi as well as the Coast Guard to assist with emergency response efforts following the explosion," said Governor Greg Abbott."Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel are already on the ground to provide support, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air quality in the area. The state stands ready to provide any additional personnel and resources needed to address this event and keep Texans in the area safe. We will continue to monitor the situation, and I ask all Texans to pray for the men and women responding to the explosion and for the safety of those in the area."
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