HOUSTON — An explosion rattled windows and shook walls across portions of Houston early Friday.

Viewers from the Cypress area all the way to La Porte, on the other side of Houston, reported hearing and feeling the blast at about 4:24 a.m.

4500 Gessner is the location of the building explosion, report Houston police.



Explosion of building: 4500 Gessner. Patrol units blocking off streets in the area. HFD responding. CC8
Building Explosion 4500 Gessner: HPD command post at Tanner @ Gessner. All traffic avoid hot zone between Gessner, Genard, Sefani & Clay Rd. CC8



KHOU 11's Janel Forte is on the scene and reports the building impacted is an industrial facility.

Forte spoke with a woman who went to pick up her grandmother from her home. She said her grandmother lives near the scene of the explosion and she was cut by shattered glass.

She also said her grandmother's roof cracked due to the impact of the explosion.

One viewer shared video from their doorbell camera that show the blast.


Another viewer sent in surveillance video where you can hear the loud blast.


Officers on scene said there could be a secondary explosion and the air quality may pose a threat, and instructed our KHOU 11 crew away from the scene.


Right now there is no confirmation as to the source of the blast or what caused the explosion.

KHOU 11's tower camera shows what appears to be smoke off 290 in northwest Houston. 

No shelter-in-place has been issued.

KHOU 11 is checking with schools in the area to see if there will be any closures or delays. 

As of now, we have not heard of any closings. 

Spring Branch ISD said they anticipate transportation delays and they will keep families informed as new information becomes available.

Check back for updates to this developing story and watch KHOU 11/#HTownRush.


Explosion of building: 4500 Gessner. Patrol units blocking off streets in the area. HFD responding. CC8



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