Investigation underway following early morning home explosion in Odessa
A criminal investigation is underway Monday evening following an early morning home explosion in Odessa, according to city officials.
Emergency personnel responded to reports of a “loud explosion,” which occurred at a residence on Otway Street, early Monday morning, according to a news release from the city of Odessa.
Individuals “directly impacted by the incident” were evacuated from the area, the news release said. As of Monday evening, first responders remained at the scene, along with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and “specialized response teams.”
Pending an “ongoing criminal investigation,” the city asked the public to avoid the area around Otway and Russell streets Monday evening.
“At this time, officials want to reassure the community that the situation is contained and there is no ongoing threat to the general public,” the news release said.
The news release did not indicate what may have led up to the incident or when residents can expect to return to the area. It’s unclear if any injuries were reported as a result of the explosion.
In an email to The Star Monday evening, Odessa Police Department police clerk Jenny Riedl said “no additional information is being released at this time.”
The City of Odessa did not immediately respond to The Star’s request for comment.
