A large chemical plant explosion near Seabrook. No serious injuries have been reported. The explosion occurred at an American facility acrylic at 11 600 Port Road near old Texas 146 about 8:50 am, according to the Seabrook Police Department. A short section of Texas 146 near the blast site was closed in both directions, as is port Road.

An hour later plans, firefighters appeared to have the fire out, and no smoke was visible from the charred wreckage at the. Two people went to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital complaining of discomfort, said police Lt. Seabrook. Sean Wright.

Pasadena city spokesman Richard Scott said a shelter in place warning is in effect for all of Seabrook as well as the El Jardine neighborhood in Pasadena. Rosio Torres of Harris County's emergency management office said the order was given because the blast involved toluene, a toxic substance that can cause nausea and tiredness in low to moderate levels.

However, in a recorded message said the company blast did not cause a release of the chemical. Nevertheless, the Clear Creek school district students and personnel ordered to shelter in place at 28 campuses east of Interstate 45

Shore Acres police Officer D. Cantu, who was in the La Porte area at the time, said he heard the blast and turned in time to see "a ball of fire going up into the air." Reports indicate the blast was heard or felt as far away as Baytown and Pearland.

American Acryl was permitted in 2000 to build a $ 150 million chemical plant in the Bayport industrial district.

The facility is built on about 65 acres and and includes a 120,000-ton-per-year acrylic acid plant.

Acrylic acid is a key component in many commonly used household and personal care products such as disposable diapers and water-based products for paints, inks and adhesives.

American acrylic was formed in 1997 and is a 50-50 joint venture between Industries NA Inc. and Atofina Chemicals Inc., who are the North American subsidiaries of Nippon Shokubai and Total Fina Elf SA, respectively.

dale.lezon @ chron.com

allan.turner @ chron.com

matthew.tresaugue @ chron.com

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