On Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:17 pm, the Nacogdoches County Combined Dispatch received numerous calls of a loud explosion in the Etoile area. Nacogdoches County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to the scene. While responding, deputies could see a large fire burning near the Etoile area while traveling through the Woden area. Numerous other first responders were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, deputies found that an oil well site had exploded and was on fire in the 15000 block of FM 226. Deputies met with workers at the oil well site who had evacuated from the scene with no injuries reported.
Residents on CR. 561 were evacuated out of precaution. FM 226 from Highway 103 to the Kingtown area is closed until further notice.
We are asking residents on CR. 560, 559, 5591 to Shelter in Place or to voluntarily evacuate the area.
After speaking with representatives of the oil well site, we do not believe there is any further danger at this time. However, this is a fluid situation and could change quickly. Residents who remain in the area should be on notice and ready to evacuate if needed.
We will keep you up to date as this situation further evolves.
Parents of children who currently attend Woden ISD should monitor Woden ISD for bus routes that could be affected. We anticipate that FM 226 will remain closed into the morning hours.