PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The cause of a flash fire at a Port Arthur pipeline site is under investigation.
The flash fire happened around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday when welders were working on a pipeline at the Explorer Pipeline site, according to Port Arthur Fire Chief Greg Benson.
Four people were sent to the Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur and two people were taken to the burn center in Galveston to be treated for their injuries.
Benson says one person taken to Galveston was airlifted by helicopter and the other was driven.
Two of the six injured were released after receiving treatment Tuesday, according to a statement from Explorer Pipeline.
The other four are expected to be released Wednesday.
Representatives with Explorer Pipeline say in part they are "diligently working with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the contract companies to investigate the cause of the fire."
The area of the pipeline where the incident occurred has been secured and safety precautions and protocols in place, according to the statement.
"The incident has been contained and there is no risk to the surrounding area," officials said in the statement.
The Port Arthur Fire Department and City Ambulance responded to the scene Tuesday with about four different ambulances.
Full statement from Explorer Pipeline:
On Tuesday, Dec. 5 at approximately 3:45 p.m. a flash fire occurred at Explorer Pipeline’s Port Arthur facility while contractors were completing a project.
Six people were sent to local area medical facilities. Two of the six injured were released after receiving treatment on Tuesday, and the other four are expected to be released today.
Our focus is on the safety of our employees and contractors. We are diligently working with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the contract companies to investigate the cause of the fire. The area of the pipeline where the incident occurred has been secured and safety precautions and protocols are in place. The incident has been contained and there is no risk to the surrounding area.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.