A burst cap appears to have caused the deadly chemical release that killed two contractors at a LyondellBasell plant near La Porte, Texas, and injured dozens of others earlier this week.
2 LyondellBasell Workers Remain Hospitalized
The LyondellBasell facility, located at 1515 Miller Cut-Off Road, was partially shut down for maintenance when the release occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. on July 27th. According to a report from The Houston Chronicle, a cap burst on a pressurized line of acetic acid, spilling chemicals and exposing workers to an associated vapor cloud.
The acetic acid, a colorless liquid with a vinegar-like odor that can burn the skin and is toxic if inhaled, was mixed with other compounds, including solvents and methyl iodide. Methyl iodide can cause fluid buildup in the lungs if too much is inhaled.
Two unidentified male contractors died in the incident.
Dozens of other workers had to be decontaminated, and 30 were taken to local hospitals with injuries that ranged from minor to critical. Two remain hospitalized this morning, but officials have not commented on the nature of their injuries or their condition.
LyondellBasell Release Among Worst Chemical Disasters Since TPC Port Neches Explosion
Before the LyondellBasell chemical leak was stopped, more than 100,000 lbs. of primarily acetic acid had escaped from the high-pressure line.
The incident ranks as one of the worst chemical disasters in the United States since a series of explosions rocked the TPC Group plant in Port Neches, Texas, in November 2019. While no one was killed in that incident, three people were injured, and tens of thousands of others living around the plant were forced to evacuate their homes through the Thanksgiving holiday.
As cleanup continued on Wednesday, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board confirmed that it would be sending a team to La Porte to investigate the incident. Local and federal agencies, including the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, and Harris County Judge Office of Emergency Management have already visited the site.
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Our Undefeated Houston Chemical Spill Lawyers continue to monitor developments related to the LyondellBasell chemical release in La Porte, Texas and will post additional updates if new information becomes available.
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