Evacuation order lifted as huge Texas plant fire ‘contained’

An explosion at the TPC chemical plant in Port Neches, Texas blew out windows miles from the site and lit up the sky with a fireball. FOX Business’ Cheryl Casone with more.

PORT NECHES, Texas — Authorities in Texas say a massive chemical plant fire that rocked a Gulf Coast town with two major explosions is finally considered contained after three days.

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Officials on Friday also lifted a mandatory evacuation for 50,000 people who were ordered to leave their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday.

PORT NECHES TEXAS CHEMICAL PLANT EXPLOSION AND FIRE: BY THE NUMBERS

Jefferson County Jeff Branick said residents should still avoid the area around the TPC Group plant about 80 miles (129 kilometers) east of Houston. He said fires remain in the facility but are isolated.

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The explosions began early Wednesday morning and blew out windows and doors of nearby homes. Three workers were injured.

Officials have said the blast occurred in an area of the plant that makes butadiene, a chemical used to make synthetic rubber and other products.