Remains of an individual found within a vehicle that collided with a pipeline in the Houston region, leading to an explosion.
According to the Deer Park Police Department, they successfully accessed the site and removed the white vehicle linked to the pipeline fire incident. Following its removal, the Harris County Medical Examiners conducted an examination, resulting in the retrieval of human remains.
The police department stated that identifying the remains could take some time, and the incident has evolved into a criminal investigation that will remain active until additional information becomes available.
The fire began when the vehicle accidentally crashed through a fence neighboring a Walmart, causing it to collide with an above-ground pipeline valve. The incident resulted in a tremendous burst of flames and smoke, causing significant damage to nearby properties and vehicles due to the intense heat.
Energy Transfer, the pipeline's proprietor, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that they would be putting out the fire by cutting off its fuel supply instead of fighting the flames directly. Once the isolation equipment is installed, they planned to purge the affected section with nitrogen, extinguishing the fire and initiating repairs. They believed this method would be the safest approach, allowing the flammable materials to burn off naturally.
CNN reporters Nicole Chavez and Chris Boyette contributed to the compilation of this report.
The police department is working closely with us to identify the individual associated with the retrieved remains. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, our cooperation is crucial to uncovering all the facts surrounding the pipeline fire incident.
