Fatal chemical leak in Texas oil refinery triggers emergency response

A deadly chemical leak at Pemex’s Deer Park oil refinery in Texas has resulted in the deaths of two people and left five others injured.

The leak, which occurred on Thursday afternoon local time has prompted authorities to issue shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents.

The incident was reported around 4:40 p.m. when a contractor at the refinery accidentally opened a line containing toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.

Emergency protocols were immediately activated as the gas began to leak into the area.

One fatality has been confirmed, and another individual was airlifted from the scene with serious injuries.

In response to the leak, Pemex, the Mexican state-owned company that operates the refinery, halted operations at the coking and hydro treating units and initiated safety venting procedures. The company stated that there has been “no impact on the community,” but local authorities are taking no chances.

Residents of Deer Park and nearby Pasadena have been ordered to remain indoors, close their windows and doors, and keep their air conditioning off until further notice. Hydrogen sulfide is a hazardous gas used in petroleum production, and prolonged exposure can be fatal.

:#Ar2ÚltimaHora🦎🚨:
Dos trabajadores fallecidos y varios heridos deja un derrame químico de sulfuro de hidrógeno en la planta de @Pemex en Deer Park

Con MORENA en el poder los accidentes en plantas petroquímicas aumentaron como nunca al igual que el costo de la gasolina ⛽️ 🤣. pic.twitter.com/5uTbXYBqqM

— 𝘼𝙧𝟮_𝙈𝙭🦎🇲🇽 (@ar2_mx) October 11, 2024