LA PORTE, Texas (KTRK) – Classes will resume Tuesday at La Porte ISD after curfews were imposed Monday at two schools in close proximity to a pipeline fire.

La Porte city officials said the incident began around 9:55 a.m. when a pipeline, owned by Energy Transferexploded near Spencer Highway and Canada. According to a statement from Deer Park police, an SUV drove through a fence on the west side of a Walmart parking lot and struck an above-ground pipeline valve.

The flames had grown larger in one area, causing small grass fires that firefighters were trying to control. The city said the impact zone was about half a mile from the fire.

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The explosion prompted the evacuation of about 50 homes and curfews at Heritage and College Park elementary schools. Nearby streets, such as Pasadena Boulevard near East Boulevard, were closed, forcing motorists to take detours.

La Porte ISD assured the public that students were safe and staying home while school continued to operate as normal, but several parents still chose to pick up their children from school early.

“It was very nerve-wracking. My body is still shaking. I really didn’t know what to think. I just had to get my kids home. It’s nothing against school. I just know that if my kids are with me, I can protect them best,” said mother Leslie Shawmeker.

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A few hours before school ended, the district announced that school buses could not transport students from evacuated areas. Staff contacted parents to arrange pickup from school grounds.

Statement from Energy Transfer said the pipeline has been isolated to allow the leftover product to burn out safely, but no timeline was given for how long that would take.

Families living in evacuated areas are being asked by the district to drive their children to school on Tuesday morning if possible. In the meantime, the transportation authority is working on alternative plans for those who need bus service.

Energy Transfer is urging anyone who has been evacuated and/or affected by the pipeline fire and needs assistance to call 855-430-4491. A representative will ask for your name, phone number, address and type of assistance needed. The company said all calls will be returned promptly.

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