Update: Engineers have completed their assessment of the Sunray Co-Op building and have determined that the structure is stable. This means there is no significant risk to the public at this time.
With safety confirmed, responding crews are now shifting their focus to restoring gas and electrical power across the city. Restoring gas service is a complex process that will take some time, possibly several days, to fully complete. However, crews are working diligently to get everything back online as quickly as possible. Electrical power restoration efforts are also underway.
As of now, all evacuation orders have been lifted, and residents are free to return to their homes.
If you return home and discover any damage related to this incident, please report it to the Moore County Emergency Management Office at 806-934-9520.
Please note that while the Sunray Co-Op building is stable, the immediate area around it will remain closed for further investigation.
Original Post: A massive explosion rocked the Sunray Co-Op grain elevator on Friday afternoon, sending emergency crews scrambling to contain the situation. The blast, which occurred at approximately 3:25 p.m., resulted in multiple injuries, evacuations, and a large-scale emergency response. As authorities continue to assess the damage and investigate the cause, residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay clear of the area for safety reasons.
Evacuations Ordered for Safety
Due to concerns about the structural integrity of the grain elevator, officials in Moore County have ordered evacuations within a one-block radius east and south of the site. Initial reports also indicated that evacuations extended to areas north of 3rd Street.
What Residents Need to Know:
✔️ Where to Go: Sunray High School has been designated as the official shelter location for evacuees.
✔️ Who Can Return: Residents previously evacuated from north of Pauline Avenue have been cleared to return home.
✔️ Who Must Stay Evacuated: If you live within the designated evacuation zones, you must remain away until authorities confirm it is safe.
As of 8:30 p.m. on Friday, the evacuation order remains in effect, and residents should be prepared for continued disruptions until officials complete their safety assessments.
Injuries and Rescue Efforts
Moore County Judge Rowdy Rhoades confirmed that all individuals inside the grain elevator at the time of the explosion have been accounted for. However, five people sustained injuries, with some requiring air transport to area hospitals.
The conditions of those injured remain unclear at this time. Families seeking information or reunification are encouraged to go to the Sunray High School gymnasium, where officials will provide updates.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
Multiple emergency agencies have responded to the explosion, working to manage the aftermath and ensure public safety:
🔥 Amarillo Fire Department deployed two fire engines, a unit, and an AMBUS. By 8:00 p.m., all AFD units were returning to Amarillo.
🚔 Dumas Police Department sent five officers to assist and remains on standby to provide additional support.
🚒 Local first responders and emergency management teams are actively working at the scene.
Authorities have also taken precautionary measures, including shutting off gas and power in the area to prevent further risks. The power was initially cut at around 6:00 p.m. and remains off as crews work to restore it safely.
Additionally, the Moore County Sheriff's Office and police department are investigating whether a criminal element played a role in the explosion.
Key Facts We Know So Far
📍 The explosion happened at 3:25 p.m. at the Sunray Co-Op grain elevator.
🚑 Five individuals were injured and transported to hospitals.
✅ Everyone inside the building at the time has been accounted for.
⚠️ Evacuations are still in place for areas closest to the explosion.
🔌 Power and gas remain shut off, with crews working to restore them.
❓ The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
What Residents Should Do
🔹 Follow evacuation orders if you are within the designated zones. Do not return home until authorities give the all-clear.
🔹 Stay away from the scene. Emergency crews need space to work safely and efficiently.
🔹 If you need shelter, go to Sunray High School gym, which is serving as the official evacuation center.
🔹 Monitor local news and emergency alerts for updates on the situation.
🔹 Conserve water. Moore County Incident Command is asking residents in Sunray to limit water use so firefighters have sufficient resources if needed.
Next Steps and Ongoing Efforts
Emergency crews remain on the scene, closely monitoring the situation. Authorities are currently awaiting engineers to assess the damage and structural integrity of the grain elevator. Once their evaluation is complete, officials will determine when it is safe for residents to return.
⚠️ Residents are urged to stay patient and avoid the area out of curiosity. The explosion site is closed off to the public to ensure safety and allow emergency responders to work without interference.
More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. For now, officials continue to prioritize safety, rescue efforts, and a thorough investigation into what caused this devastating explosion.
