Chemical explosions are not uncommon for the Houston area, but most of them are to the east/SE of town, in Pasadena, Deer Park, Baytown, Texas City area. The large refineries over there mostly have green spaces around them. This was in less industrial SW Houston, near where I grew up and parents still live. I know the neighborhood, and houses go right up to the site. Marcus Oilmakes wax products, so I assume it is still burning. To me, near Downtown, it sounded like a slamming door, but resonating like thunder. My folks, about 3 miles from the blast, felt it shake more.
No one was seriously hurt. Some glass cuts from neighbors too near their windows. Foundation repairmen should get some work. But an awesome light show. You could hear the collective “OOOH’s” on TV when another fireball rose up to the sky. Houston is such fun!