An explosion and fire at the Montgomery County Jail’s crime lab on Wednesday morning sent one sheriff’s office employee to the hospital and prompted a HAZMAT response.
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On Wednesday morning, an explosion and fire occurred at the crime lab of the Montgomery County Jail, resulting in one employee from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office being hospitalized. In contrast, several others received treatment on-site, according to officials.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident took place at approximately 9 a.m. The incident occurred as staff members were destroying evidence in the jail's crime lab incinerator. Staff reported hearing an explosion just moments after loading the material, quickly followed by multiple secondary blasts.
Conroe firefighters and deputies quickly contained the fire. A specialized team from the Conroe Fire Department has arrived to conduct decontamination procedures for staff and nearby areas following reports of exposure to hazardous materials.
Multiple employees from the sheriff’s office received assessments on-site for smoke inhalation, and one individual was taken to a local hospital for additional medical evaluation. Officials reported that none of the injuries seemed to be life-threatening.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has confirmed that there was no significant structural damage to the crime laboratory and surrounding buildings. “We are relieved to report that all individuals are safe and accounted for,” the agency stated.
Authorities from various organizations are currently collaborating to uncover the cause of the explosion. The Hazardous Device Unit of the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office is spearheading a post-blast investigation, collaborating with the Conroe Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and MCSO investigators.
The sheriff’s office took to Facebook to thank the emergency crews who assisted at the scene. “We sincerely appreciate the support from the local agencies that came together to assist us today,” the post stated. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Conroe Fire Department, the Conroe Fire Department Haz-Mat Crew, the Montgomery County Hospital District, the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Investigators and Bomb Squad, and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).”
As of Wednesday afternoon, the facility and its operations remained stable. Authorities have announced that they are still conducting the inquiry and will provide additional information once they establish the reason for the explosion.
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