CSB Announces Investigation Into Fatal Chemical Release

CSB announced the investigation just one day after the fatal release of hydrogen sulfide at the Pemex petroleum refinery in Deer Park, TX.

Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor

October 11, 2024

1 Min Read
Officials were likely not able to enter until today.
After the leak began, it was unsafe for investigators to enter and officials might not be able to enter until Friday.US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board

The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has announced today that it is launching an investigation into a  fatal release of hydrogen sulfide at the Pemex petroleum refinery in Deer Park, TX, which just occurred yesterday, October 10.

Two contract workers died as a result of  the release, and 13 reportedly were transported to local medical facilities with another 2 dozen or so treated on scene.
 
“This is a very serious incident that caused multiple fatalities and injuries and potentially put the surrounding community at risk.," said CSB Chairperson Steve Owens.
 
The release at the Pemex refinery, located about 18 miles east of Houston, resulted in a shelter-in-place order for two neighboring cities, and a portion of Texas State Highway 225 was closed temporarily.


Officials with the Pemex facility told local news ABC13 at about 6:18 p.m. that they were "dealing with an emergency" that began at 4:40 p.m., according to a statement issued hours later.

Harris County, TX Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said that the gas release happened during work on a flange at the facility, which is part of a cluster of oil refineries and plants that makes Houston the nation’s petrochemical heartland.

About the Author

Kristen Kazarian

Managing Editor

Kristen Kazarian has been a writer and editor for more than three decades. She has worked at several consumer magazines and B2B publications in the fields of food and beverage, packaging, processing, women's interest, local news, health and nutrition, fashion and beauty, automotive, and IT.

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