US chemical plant explosion in south-east Texas injures three people and has blown out windows in nearby housing.
A mandatory evacuation was ordered for everyone within a half-mile of the TPC plant while the fire department says the evacuation could expand to wider areas.
Jefferson County Judge, Jeff Branick, told Beaumont TV station KBMT that the blast initially sounded like someone was firing a gun into his house.
Mr Branick says it is a miracle no one died, adding that one worker suffered burns and was taken by medical helicopter.