During an 11 a.m. news conference, officials said that one worker is still missing more than 16 hours after a Phillips 66 pipeline in Paradis exploded.
The explosion rocked the Paradis community at around 6:18 p.m. Thursday night while six employees were on the scene performing routine maintenance. The pipeline is located adjacent to Old Spanish Trail.
Officials continue to search for the missing worker.
Representatives 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 gases burn off.
At 11 a.m. Friday, the fire had significantly decreased and pressure falling in the pipeline.
Cochran said that the Sheriff’s Office evacuated six homes in the immediate area last night. St. Charles Parish spokesman Tristan Babin said the Edward Dufresne Community Center in Luling was opened as a shelter for evacuees. Those evacuees remained sheltered throughout the night and are now able to return to their homes.
State police spokeswoman Melissa Matey said while the evacuation has been lifted, on Hwy. 631 there are still areas blocked near the pipeline and that the only people allowed to travel in those places will be those who reside in that area.
Highway 90 was closed for several hours Thursday night but was eventually opened at 10:30 p.m. The general public is not advised to take any protective measures at this time.
Todd Denton, general manager of midstream operations for Phillips 66, said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. He declined to identify the missing employee out of respect to the worker’s family.
He said of the five workers who have been accounted for, two emerged from the accident without needing treatment, while two others were admitted to the hospital and subsequently released. He said the fifth was still hospitalized as of Friday morning.
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