Midland County officials have confirmed that residents who were evacuated during the Targa gas plant explosion on the evening of April 16 were permitted to return to their homes at 10:30 a.m. on April 17. Additionally, FM 1379 was reopened hours after the incident.
According to an April 17 Facebook post by the county, Midland County Emergency Management and Fire Marshals Office responded to the explosion at 4801 FM 1379 "promptly and effectively." The post stated that a leak was identified as the cause and was contained by 6:30 a.m., exactly twelve hours after the incident occurred.
KOSA News, a CBS affiliate in Permian Basin, reported that at the request of the Midland Fire Department (MFD) and as a safety measure, the fire marshals office ordered an evacuation of people living within a one-mile radius of the Targa gas plant. KOSA further reported that authorities confirmed no injuries, with Fire Marshal Justin Bunch stating to the station that safety was paramount for those responding to the blast.
The county's post noted that officials remained at the site throughout the night to manage the situation effectively and ensure everyone's safety.
KOSA also reported multiple agencies' involvement in managing this incident. These included MFD, Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD), Midland County Northeast Volunteer Fire Department (MCVFD), all assisting in containing the fire. In addition, Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) aided with evacuation procedures.