Air conditioners shut down amid toxic chemical fire in Texas
A chemical plant fire in Crosby, Texas kills one, injures two and forces residents and students to a temporary shelter.
One person is dead and two injured following a massive chemical plant explosion in Crosby, Texas Tuesday.
Some plant workers were air-lifted out of the scene as toxic, black smoke spewed into the air, CNN reports.
People in the area were ordered to close all windows and doors and shut down air conditioners to avoid coming into contact with the fumes.
Local schools were closed early due to the incident.
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Residents within a 1.5-km radius of the plant were placed in temporary shelter as officials from the county's pollution control services department surveyed the scene.
The plant produces antifreeze, brake fluid and cement grinding products, among other things.
While the cause has yet to be confirmed, CNN reports workers noticed a leak prior to the explosion.
The fire comes about three weeks after another toxic chemical fire in Deer Park, Texas where 11 tanks burned up, raising concerns about water and air quality.
Crosby is about 35 km north of Deer Park.