Barge Strikes Pipeline Causing Explosion in Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Area officials have confirmed that six victims have been hospitalized following a pipeline explosion Friday morning in Corpus Christi's port and refinery district.

Corpus Christi Police Department Deputy Chief Billy Breedlove said that the explosion happened after a barge in the port struck a pipeline.

A Coast Guard Sector Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter was launched and rescued two injured crew members in order to take them to Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area, the release states. 

The extent of the injuries wasn't immediately known, although it was noted that first responders aided roughly eight victims. 

Six of which were immediately taken to area hospitals, four by CCFD and two by the Coast Guard.

An additional two victims were cleared after refusing medical treatment at the scene, Rocha said.

"We're trying to get a headcount of everybody that may have been involved or anybody who may have been around when the incident occurred," said Rocha.

In their news release Friday, The Coast Guard said it was searching for an additional four missing crew members from a dredging vessel "Waymon L. Boyd."

The fire was reported shortly after 8 a.m. near the Nueces Bay area in the northern part of the city as flames and a large plume of black smoke were visible throughout several parts of the city.

Governor Greg Abbott today issued the following statement following initial reports of the pipeline explosion in the Port of Corpus Christi:

"The State of Texas is working closely with local partners in Corpus Christi as well as the Coast Guard to assist with emergency response efforts following the explosion. Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel are already on the ground to provide support, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air quality in the area. The state stands ready to provide any additional personnel and resources needed to address this event and keep Texans in the area safe. We will continue to monitor the situation, and I ask all Texans to pray for the men and women responding to the explosion and for the safety of those in the area."