Explosion at Point Comfort plastics plant

October 6, 2005

There has been an explosion at the Formosa Plastics plant in Point Comfort, TX. Residents have been advised to shelter in place. Point Comfort is about 25 miles south-east of Victoria, TX.

Witnesses report an explosion and "lots of black smoke", some visible from as far as 40 miles away. Six injuries were reported, but there were no deaths. The prevailing east to north east winds are directing smoke away from Port Lavaca and Victoria, and city officials are not recommending evacuation of these areas.

Point Comfort Elementary School has been evacuated, children are being moved to HJM Elementary in Port Lavaca. Schools in Port Lavaca, Seadrift, and Port O'Connor have halted outdoor activities and school buses until they receive further notice. School superintendent Larry Nicols has said that parents will be allowed to pick up their children at any school if they desire.