Oil facility erupts into flames near Karnes City

KARNES CITY, Texas – Lightning may be to blame for an explosion and fire at an oil tank facility near Karnes City.

Karnes County Sheriff Dwayne Villanueva said the explosion happened around 4:10 p.m. Friday at the Shale Tank Truck Facility right around the time when a line of thunderstorms marched through the area.

No injuries were reported, Villanueva said.

Huge flames shot into the air and huge plumes of smoke could be seen for miles.

The facility is located off Highway 181 three miles north of Karnes City.

Villanueva said oil and salt water tanks were fully engulfed and firefighters will let the tanks burn themselves out.

The Karnes City, Kenedy and Falls City fire departments responded to the fire.