A massive explosion at a machine shop ripped through a Houston neighborhood early Friday morning, killing at least two people and damaging homes while sending out blast waves for miles.
Yahaira Jacquez reports.
At least two dead in massive Houston explosion
At least two people are dead and several injured after a massive explosion at a manufacturing plant rocked a Houston neighborhood Friday.
Aerial footage showed damage from the blast - which happened at around 4:30am at Watson Grinding and Manufacturing, which makes machine parts - and was felt up to 14 miles away.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) HOUSTON RESIDENT TONYA CHOPP "It was loud, it shook the whole house." The explosion sent shockwaves across the city, jolting people from their sleep and damaging homes.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) HOUSTON FIRE CHIEF SAMUEL PENA: "We've searched about 181 to 190 homes.
Some of them are off the foundations.
Especially the ones closer to the explosion site." Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said officials will conduct an investigation in to the blast, but stressed there is no current evidence of foul play.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) HOUSTON POLICE CHIEF ART ACEVEDO: "Let me just say right off the bat, we have no reason to believe - we have no evidence at this point - that terrorism was involved or that an intentional act is involved." According to officials, the explosion appeared to come from a leaking tank of propylene - a colorless, flammable, liquefied gas that has several industrial uses.
The leak has been contained according to authorities, who said there are no concerns about air quality.