Houston-Area Blaze Caused by SUV Accident, Officials Say

  • Authorities in Deer Park say no indication of terrorism
  • Operator Energy Transfer is letting the fire burn out
Firefighters battle a blaze from a pipeline carrying liquefied natural gas in La Porte, Texas, on Sept. 16.Photographer: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images
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A fire on an Energy Transfer LP natural gas liquids pipeline near Houston was caused by an SUV crashing through the fence of a Walmart store and into an above-ground valve to the line, local officials said.

Preliminary reports indicate terrorism was not behind the incident, the city of Deer Park, Texas, said in a statement Tuesday. Authorities are still working to identify the driver. No injuries were reported from the blast, which occurred at around 10 a.m. on Monday.