Two Workers Dead, Several Injured in PEMEX Oil Refinery Chemical Leak in Deer Park, Texas

Tragedy Strikes Deer Park Due to PEMEX Oil Refinery Leak

Deer Park, Texas – A serious incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at a PEMEX oil refinery, resulting in the deaths of two workers and injuring several others as a toxic chemical leak took place. The leak happened around 4:20 p.m., releasing hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas known for its danger and foul odor, into the air within the plant.

Details of the Incident

According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, where they found the two deceased workers. In addition to the fatalities, at least 35 individuals were treated or “triaged” at the site. The details surrounding how many were treated on-site versus being transported to a medical facility remain uncertain.

PEMEX, a state-owned oil corporation from Mexico, promptly halted operations after detecting the leak and informed local authorities. In the immediate aftermath, shelter-in-place orders were issued for all Deer Park residents and some neighboring Pasadena residents, urging them to stay indoors. Residents were advised to close all windows and doors and turn off air conditioners, ensuring minimal exposure to the toxic gas.

Shelter-in-Place Orders Lifted

After monitoring the air quality, officials confirmed that no hazardous chemicals had infiltrated the surrounding areas, leading to the lifting of the shelter-in-place orders. Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton reassured the public, stating, “We’ve not gotten any air monitoring reports to show that anything has gotten into the community that would be a concern to any constituents in Deer Park.” Although the orders have been lifted, ongoing air monitoring will continue in the area.

The Impact of Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide, although common in oil and gas refining, is notorious for its strong “rotten egg” smell. Mayor Mouton noted that the pungent odor has been detected in various neighborhoods, leading to numerous calls to local utility CenterPoint regarding possible gas leaks. Nevertheless, he confirmed, “Other than the smell, we have not had any verifiable air monitoring to support that anything got outside the facility.”

Investigation Underway

As hazmat teams and fire marshal personnel work to bring down the chemical levels inside the plant, investigators have yet to enter the facility, according to Sheriff Gonzalez. He expected the operation to continue late into the night. Furthermore, the sheriff’s office is leading an investigation to uncover the reason behind this unfortunate incident. PEMEX has also initiated its own inquiry.

Additional Context

This leak comes just a month after Deer Park faced another crisis. Residents dealt with a major pipeline fire that resulted from an SUV colliding with a liquid natural gas valve, leading to severe damage in the area, including the destruction of homes and evacuation of about 100 residences. With the recent events, the Deer Park community remains on high alert as safety measures and protocols are assessed and re-evaluated.

Conclusion

The community of Deer Park is in mourning after this tragic incident at the PEMEX refinery. As investigations continue and efforts to ensure safety are prioritized, locals can only hope for swift answers and preventative measures for the future. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.