Man burned during Christmas Eve home explosion in Hempstead

HEMPSTEAD, Texas (KTRK) – Investigators say one person was burned during the night in a home explosion in Hempstead.

Just before 10:30 pm Thursday, investigators received calls for an explosion on 5th Street near St. Barbe.

Video from the area shows the damage done by the explosion, with debris scattered across the street.

When firefighters arrived, several buildings were on fire. They were able to extinguish the flames quickly.

“There is fire, there are civilians running towards it,” said a firefighter on the Range Cast scanner. “We need more people here to help with the control.”

The Waller County Fire Marshal’s office says a man went to the house to pick up some clothes and when he opened the door, the house exploded. Investigators say he doesn’t live at home.

The man reportedly has severe burns to his face, chest and arms. He was taken to a hospital in Houston by Life Flight.

Researchers say EMS has treated a few others on the scene, mainly because of anxiety.

My uncle’s house exploded. I came here and found out what it looked like, ”said Luis Saucedo. “My uncle lives there, my grandmother lives back here, my parents live nearby. My friend called me and said a house on St. Barbe had been blown up.”

“Right now is the start of the investigation,” said Dean Hensley of the Waller County Fire Marshal’s office. ‘We measure rubble, take pictures, talk to witnesses. It will take a while. ‘

Local authorities were busy clearing up the debris.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

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