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Any time a chemical plant is operational, there is a risk of injury to workers. The environmental conditions must be very carefully managed to minimize any risks associated with that environment. Yet, plants often take steps to minimize costs or sidestep regulations meant to keep workers and the public safe. If you are injured in this type of accident, talk to our highly-rated Houston refinery accident attorney.
What are some of the worst chemical plant accidents in Texas history? The following examples illustrate what can easily occur in any environment.
The West Fertilizer Company’s storage and distribution facility in West, Texas, exploded on April 17, 2013. The incident was an ammonium nitrate explosion that started when a fire broke out at the facility. At the same time, workers tried to put out the fire long before it reached the chemicals, but that did not happen. When the ammonium nitrate combusted, it killed 15 people, led to 160 injuries, and caused damage to 150 buildings in the area.
Two tanks at the ITC Deer Park petrochemical plant caught fire on March 18, 2019. It happened to be St. Patrick’s Day that year. The plant went up in flames quickly, and the fire spread to the nearby storage tanks. It took days for fire personnel to get the fire out.
This accident did not lead to the death of any employees, but 20 people suffered serious injuries from it. What makes this one of the most notable and worst chemical plant accidents in Texas history is what happened in the days following. The plant, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Houston, caused chemicals to leak into the Houston Ship Channel nearby. This led to many reports of people suffering from a range of health issues, including burning throats, nose bleeds, intense headaches, and trouble breathing. The incident was linked to the exposure to toluene, naphtha, and xylene, chemicals from the plant.
City residents in Crosby, Texas, were ordered to shelter in place on April 2, 2019, after an explosion occurred at the local KMCO chemical plant. The plant caught fire due to the ignition of isobutylene gas, later found to be due to oversight by the plant managers. The fire spread fast and hot throughout the plant. It caused toxic chemicals to be released into the air. No one suffered fatalities on this day, but two people suffered serious injuries. The city had to remain sheltering in place for some time until the situation was brought under control.
Another explosion occurred on November 20, 2019, at the TPC Petrochemical Plant located in Port Nicos. The explosion was so significant that it shattered windows across homes throughout the city. A second explosion occurred shortly after, resulting in a large ball of fire.
Residents in the area had to evacuate, and those beyond the immediate vicinity had to remain inside until the smoke cleared. This incident led to two employees and a contractor suffering injuries. Many others in the area reported shortness of breath, eye and nose irritation, and illnesses.
Various other fires and explosions have occurred in the region. If you were injured in such an incident, seek the help of an experienced chemical plant explosion injury attorney. Do not simply settle until you know the value of your losses.