A massive explosion has reportedly rattled homes in Houston, Texas with the blast echoing across the city, shattering windows and waking residents in the early hours of Friday morning.
The explosion reportedly took place at a factory in the Gessner area of the city. Video from a home doorbell captured the moment of the ferocious blast.
— Joey Charpentier (@BattleNub19) January 24, 2020
#BREAKING HOUSTON UPDATE: Huge piles of debris after a massive explosion levels a building off Gessner in Northwest Houston. These pics from our news partner, @abc13houston. pic.twitter.com/88ORQf3O5c
— CBSDFW (@CBSDFW) January 24, 2020
The blast happened around 4:25 am local time and was heard and felt up to 25 miles away. According to ABC, at least one person was injured in the incident, though it is unclear whether they were hurt by the blast or by falling debris. Authorities have yet to release any official information on casualties.
Explosion in Houston. Nest cam got the audio. #Houston pic.twitter.com/9SceN8gkhi
— Ryan Crews (@RCrews16) January 24, 2020
Debris is reportedly raining from the sky and authorities have asked people to avoid the area while preliminary investigations are underway. Images shared on social media show the damage the blast caused to homes in the vicinity.
Jose Ramos just gave me these photos from inside his daughter’s home. Ceiling cracked, sliding doors blown in. Everyone ok. Kids were terrified, he says. #abc13 #houstonexplosion pic.twitter.com/AzMUOmnK9U
— Courtney Fischer (@CourtneyABC13) January 24, 2020
Explosion of building: 4500 Gessner. Patrol units blocking off streets in the area. HFD responding. #hounews #houtraffic CC8
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) January 24, 2020