1 injured in explosion at RapidXchange facility along FM 529 in Waller County, officials say

WALLER COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — At least one person was injured Wednesday afternoon when multiple explosions at a Waller County propane facility sparked a major fire, authorities said.

The Waller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the explosions occurred at RapidXchange Propane. According to James Jones of Waller-Harris ESD 200, the department received a call around 12:30 p.m. regarding an explosion at a facility doing propane transfers.

When crews arrived on scene, metal was flying, delaying them in fighting the fire, but it was later brought under control. Due to the building’s location, grass fires became a major concern and several agencies assisted in efforts to extinguish the fire. . Approximately 30 acres of grass fires were stopped without further damage.

The injured person is expected to be OK, but is being examined. About 14 other people were evacuated without injuries, authorities said.

FM 2855 and FM 529 are closed as emergency crews work to extinguish the fire which is in the 30300 block of FM 529. Residents are asked to avoid the area.

It is not known what may have triggered the explosions. A thick column of black smoke is visible for miles around, but authorities said the air quality is good and so far no evacuations have been ordered.

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