Explosion kills one at Westhoff plant

An explosion at an Advantek Waste Management Services LLC oilfield saltwater disposal plant near Westhoff on Friday, May 17, claimed the life of an employee, according to the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office.

The explosion took place at the plant, located at 14009 Hwy. 87 N, at about 2:50 p.m. Friday and prompted emergency officials to evacuate residents in the Westhoff area for a period of time to ensure their safety, according to DCSO.

The blast claimed the life of 41-year-old Advantek employee Larry Kevin Hendricks of Beeville. No other injuries were reported by officials. DeWitt County Justice of the Peace has ordered an autopsy be performed on Hendricks. The incident is under investigation by DCSO.

"This incident is a tragic case where an employee lost their life while doing their job,” DeWitt County Sheriff Carl R. Bowen said in a statement to the press. “Our sympathies go out to the Hendricks family during this time of their tragic loss. The DeWitt County Sheriff’s office will continue to investigate as to the cause of the explosion that resulted in a tragic loss of life."

Firefighters from Westhoff, Nixon, Yorktown and Cuero worked several hours to extinguish the blaze and make sure it was safe for residents to return home.