Texas pipeline fire out after 4 days, human remains found in SUV prompt investigation

After burning for nearly four days, the Deer Park pipeline fire went out Thursday night. Officials have also announced a criminal investigation has been opened after human remains were found in a vehicle near the fire's origin.

Roughly 12 hours before the fire was extinguished, the flames were contained enough to allow the removal of a white SUV. Authorities have confirmed the vehicle caused the fire after it crashed through a fence and struck a pipeline valve. ABC News Houston captured video of crews attaching a winch to it and pulling it onto Spencer Highway around 7 a.m. Thursday.

While the Harris County Medical Examiner processed the vehicle, human remains were recovered and removed, a Thursday morning update says. Authorities say the identification process may "take some time."

"This has developed into a criminal investigation and will be actively ongoing until further information is available," the statement continued. "This is all of the information that will be released until the full investigation has concluded."

Tuesday morning, police and local FBI agents said the preliminary investigation revealed no evidence of "terrorist activity," and it appears to be an isolated incident.

The highway remained closed from Luella to Canada Road, according to a press release Thursday evening. The statement also said the operator of the pipeline, Energy Transfer, was "working closely with local authorities" to manage the response and cooperate in the investigation.

Deer Park, La Porte residents return home Wednesday

Deer Park and La Porte residents living close to the pipeline explosion were allowed to return home Wednesday, two days after the fire broke out Monday morning. When the fire first began, authorities evacuated nearly 1,000 homes.

Energy Transfer continues to manage a helpline to assist residents directly impacted by the pipeline fire. Those in need of support can call (855) 430-4491 or email laporteresponse@energytransfer.com.

What happened to the Houston pipeline?

A massive fire shot flames hundreds of feet in the air after an explosion in a Houston suburb just before 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16. Although the lack of wind largely prevented the spread, the fire was extremely hot and caused damage to cars, homes and a playground. Thousands of customers living nearby also lost power.

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management issued evacuations for nearby residents. Students at La Porte ISD sheltered in place for a few hours Monday, as the fire melted playground equipment. San Jacinto Junior College students and staff also sheltered in place until being dismissed shortly after noon. Classes and activities on the campus were canceled for the rest of the day, and staff was asked to work from home.

On Tuesday, city officials reported four people were injured in the fire, at least two of which were first responders.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Houston pipeline fire is out after 4 days, human remains found in SUV