Explosion Reported at South Texas Oil Pipeline

McCOOK, Texas – Fire from a pipeline explosion here had nearly burned itself out, three hours after it began.

Hidalgo County Emergency Manager Tony Pena said earlier reports of one injury in the explosion were incorrect. Smoke from the fire was no longer visible and Pena said the fire would probably be out within an hour.

The pipeline is owned by Hesco, Pena said.

Farm-to-Market Road 490 west of McCook was damaged by fire and would likely remain closed through the day, Pena said.

The fire marshal was investigating the cause of the explosion, Pena said.

Black smoke rushed across a cloudy sky in northern Hidalgo County on Friday, driven by winds gusting to 40 mph. Orange flames were visible just over a rise. Flames from the rupture reached 400 feet to 500 feet, Pena said.

Firefighters shut flow of crude oil distillate about 10 miles down the pipeline and were waiting for the rest of the crude to burn off.

Phyllis Pilarcyzk owner of the McCook Trading Post, said she knew little "except it was a big boom." She described the rural farming community in northwest Hidalgo County as "30 miles from anything."