Residents Return Home After Pipeline Explosion
After Monday’s devastating pipeline explosion in Deer Park, Texas, many residents were finally allowed to return to their homes on Wednesday. However, the scene that awaited them was not what they expected. While the flames from the explosion had significantly diminished, they were still burning, causing concern among the returning homeowners.
Steve and Diane Hutto were fortunate that their home on East Meadow Drive had survived the fire, with only their backyard storage shed partially melted. However, the extensive use of water from fire hoses to prevent their home from catching fire had caused severe damage. Diane Hutto lamented, “Everything is just soaking wet: the walls, the couches, the clothes, everything. I don’t think we can save anything.”
Despite the damage, there was a silver lining for the Huttos. They discovered that pictures of Steve’s deceased son had survived in a plastic container in a closet. Diane expressed relief, saying, “We were really concerned about that because he had passed away, and that’s all he has of his son.”
The City of Deer Park had announced that residents in the evacuation zone could return home starting at 6 p.m. Eyewitness News observed that some residents returned even before the official time. The Huttos were able to retrieve their belongings on Wednesday morning, while Areanna Molero was escorted to her house by authorities on Tuesday to retrieve her items.
However, returning residents found that their homes had suffered various degrees of damage. Molero reported heat damage, including broken windows and melted areas that affected meters and other equipment. Her parents’ car had its back half melted, and nearby homes had damaged shutters.
In a heartbreaking incident, a homeowner discovered her door open and her caged pet birds missing upon her return. The heat had not only damaged her house and several vehicles but also caused the unfortunate loss of her beloved pets.
The city estimates that the fire will be completely extinguished by Thursday night, bringing an end to this devastating incident. As residents begin the process of assessing and repairing the damage to their homes, the community will come together to support one another in this challenging time.
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