PORT NECHES, Texas -- A chemical plant in Port Neches, Texas exploded early Wednesday morning, injuring three employees and forcing an evacuation order for the area immediately surrounding the plant. Witnesses say the blast blew out windows miles away. About 13 hours after the initial explosion, a second one rocked the town Wednesday afternoon. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosions.

The plant has a years-long history of state and federal environmental violations.

“Yet another disaster at a chemical plant in Texas, putting local communities, workers, and first responders at risk,” Catherine Fraser, Clean Air Associate with Environment Texas, said in a statement. “This facility has a track record of violating the Clean Air Act, with five other illegal emissions events just in 2019, emitting carcinogenic 1,3 butadiene and other chemicals, and a history of community complaints.”

Fraser spoke with Capital Tonight anchor Karina Kling Wednesday about the facility and the protections her group is urging officials to put in place.