Five people were injured and one worker is still missing after a Phillips 66 pipeline explosion that occurred at 6:45 p.m. Thursday night, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The explosion rocked the Paradis community while six employees were on the scene, located adjacent to Old Spanish Trail. Three of the injured employees were called “walking wounded” by Emergency Operations Center Director Joe Ganote. Another injured worker was treated and released from the hospital, while a fifth was transferred to a burn unit.
Officials continue to search for the missing worker.
Representives from the site told the Sheriff’s Office that the fire resulting from the explosion could possibly burn for a couple days. St. Charles Parish President Larry Cochran said the pipeline fire is under control and it will be monitored until the released propane burns off.
Cochran said that the Sheriff’s Office evacuated several homes in the area. St. Charles Parish spokesman Tristan Babin said the Edward Dufresne Community Center in Luling has been opened as a shelter for evacuees. Those evacuees will remain sheltered throughout the night.
Highway 90 has now been opened and the general public is not advised to take any protective measures at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office, along with local fire departments, the Louisiana State Police, the Emergency Operations Center and other agencies are currently working to stabilize the scene.
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