CSB Responding to Deadly Acid Leak at LyondellBasell Plant

The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Identification Board (CSB) announced Wednesday that it is sending a team to the LyondellBasell chemical complex in La Porte, TX to respond to a massive leak of acetic acid.

About 100,000 lb of acetic acid was reportedly released at the facility Tuesday evening. LyondellBasell contacted several emergency response agencies around 7:30 p.m., alerting them to a “mass casualty incident” at the Miller Cut Off Road facility. Two contractors died during the event, a statement issued by the company said. Coverage by Houston Public Media stated that 30 people have been hospitalized.

“We expect the team to arrive this afternoon to begin their assessment,” the agency wrote in a release. “The CSB will provide an update after the assessment is underway.”

LyondellBasell’s La Porte complex houses assets to support its The Equistar Chemicals and Acetyls business. The company has manufacturing units at the site that produce vinylacetate monomer (VAM) and acetic acid, information on the firm’s website states. Acetic acid is used in the food industry and other markets.