Chemical Leak At Texas Oil Refinery Leaves Two Dead, Dozens Injured

A chemical leak at a Texas oil refinery prompted a shelter-in-place order, left two individuals deceased, and injured dozens.

“The leak took place at Pemex Deer Park, about 18 miles east of Houston, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said,” USA TODAY reports.

“@HCSOTexas Industrial Unit deputies responded to an incident at the 5900 SH-225. Preliminary info: unknown chemical release. One person confirmed deceased, another has been taken by Lifeflight, and several others injured,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

“Around 3:30am, the two deceased persons were transported by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Investigation continues,” he added.

Around 3:30am, the two deceased persons were transported by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Investigation continues… https://t.co/6Dg7bvNk0F

— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) October 11, 2024

Per USA TODAY:

The department reported deputies, and the Deer Park Fire Department responded to the facility at 5:23 p.m. local time for a report of a hydrogen sulfide leak, a colorless gas with a strong odor.

The facility where the incident occurred was a refinery that processes crude oil to produce gasoline and other fuels.

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Officials announced a shelter-in-place order for Deer Park and Pasadena after the leak.

Two dead in chemical release at Pemex refinery in Texas https://t.co/6wpS5zwFWo pic.twitter.com/Ky5XiSyBEU

— New York Post (@nypost) October 11, 2024

PEMEX released the following statement:

“Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) reports that at 4:40 p.m. an acid gas leak was reported in one of the process units of the Deer Park refinery, located in Texas, United States. Immediately, the emergency protocols were activated, as well as the refinery’s Emergency Care Center and the respective notifications were made to the local authorities. In order to mitigate the impact, the operation of the coking unit and hydrotreatment units was proactively stopped, and safety venting was also carried out, notifying the authorities under the mechanisms indicated in the protocol. We are aware of five affected workers who are being treated, and the death of two more people is yet to be confirmed. No impact to the community is reported. The corresponding investigations are being carried out to find out the causes of the accident and work is being done to reactivate the facilities.”

Continúa #PEMEX supervisión de condiciones tras incidente en la refinería Deer Park.https://t.co/IBjZgv4VZf pic.twitter.com/hZnQOltCn4

— Petróleos Mexicanos (@Pemex) October 12, 2024

“I’m aware of the chemical leak at the PEMEX plant in Deer Park. At this time, there are reports of at least one fatality and multiple injuries at the plant, and my heart goes out to their families and loved ones. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and Harris County Pollution Control Services are on scene to assist and monitor the air,” the Office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement.

“Our Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management is standing by for any additional help that is requested. Our primary concern is to ensure the leak has stopped and that the leaked materials are not impacting county residents. We will send more updates as we get them,” it added.

See statement from County Judge Lina Hidalgo: pic.twitter.com/Gw0HAOr9RV

— Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo (@HarrisCoJudge) October 11, 2024

FOX 26 Houston reports:

The City of Pasadena said on social media that a Hydrogen Sulfide release occurred at the facility and the Pasadena Fire Department had issued a shelter-in-place for all areas north of Spencer Highway in the Pasadena City Limits. However, the shelter-in-place has been lifted in Pasadena.

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However, the City of Deer Park has issued a shelter in place for all Deer Park residents for several hours. But it was lifted around 9:30 p.m. Thursday night.

Officials stated the incident is currently contained within the PEMEX facility.

There is no threat to the community, officials said.

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas with a characteristic foul odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The gas occurs naturally in various environments, particularly in areas where organic matter is decaying, such as sewers, oil and gas wells, and manure pits.

It’s also used or can be produced as part of various industries such as oil and gas refining, mining, and petroleum refining, natural gas extraction, and wastewater treatment.

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