USA – Tanker Truck Fire at Kurten Oil Facility Prompts Evacuation, Investigation Ongoing
A tanker truck carrying crude oil caught fire Monday evening at an oil facility near Kurten, Texas, leading to an emergency evacuation of nearby homes and a multi-agency response effort.
The fire broke out around 8:30 p.m. on July 7 in the 12600 block of Copperhead Road, near FM 2038 and just south of Highway 21. Flames and thick black smoke were visible from surrounding areas, raising concerns about the safety of nearby residences.
Local officials quickly issued an evacuation order for residents living within a half-mile radius of the facility. Multiple fire departments, including specialized hazmat crews, responded to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
At least one worker at the site sustained burn injuries during the incident. It remains unclear whether the injured individual was the tanker truck’s driver or another facility employee. The worker was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for treatment; their current condition has not been released.
By late Monday night, authorities confirmed that the fire had been brought under control and that the evacuation order had been lifted, allowing residents to safely return home.
Cleanup operations are still underway, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. State and local agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Railroad Commission, are involved in determining what led to the incident and assessing any potential environmental impact.
Officials continue to urge drivers to avoid the area as crews finish cleanup and conduct safety checks.
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