By Erika Hernandez
13 Oct 2024, 2:28 PM EDT
Authorities reported that A hydrogen sulfide chemical leak at the PEMEX oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas, left two people dead and at least 35 others injured on Thursday night.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said a group of workers were performing work on a flange when an unknown accident occurred and a gas leak began.
The Deer Park Office of Emergency Management says they were notified of the incident at approximately 5:23 p.m.
González estimated that it would take investigators seven or eight hours to reach the scene where the incident occurred.
After the leak, PEMEX said it was carrying out work that could cause gas flaring.
PEMEX said it shut down the 92,000 bpd coking plant and a hydrotreater at the refinery after the spill began, according to a company statement.
Deer Park has lifted its shelter-in-place order, according to a statement from the Deer Park Office of Emergency Management.
Harris County Pollution Control, Harris County Hazardous Materials Department, and CTEH do not report the presence of hazardous chemicals within the community.
Deer Park also said they are aware of the smell, but want to assure the community that there is no danger to the community.
“The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reports that 35 PEMEX employees were tested and 2 of them were confirmed dead. “The majority of mutual aid resources have been released and HCSO will continue its investigation,” he said.
Continue reading:
• West Virginia train derailment spills diesel into one of North America’s oldest rivers
• Train in Ohio derails and generates alarm, authorities rule out hazardous materials spill
• Ohio sues Norforlk Southern railroad over East Palestine derailment