The search for a worker who has been missing since a massive explosion and fire destroyed the Tri-Chem Industries chemical plant in Cresson, Texas has been suspended because of dangerous site conditions.
Tragically, that young man is now presumed dead.
“He Gave His Life to this Place – Literally”
Dylan Mitchell was reported missing shortly after a fire ignited an explosion at the Tri-Chem facility in Hood County, about 50 miles southwest of Dallas, on the morning of March 15th.
The 27-year-old Mitchell began working for Tri-Chem Industries roughly four years ago, initially at the company’s Arlington warehouse. He moved to the Cresson manufacturing facility when it opened last year.
“He did everything around here,” his girlfriend and fellow plant employee. Amber Gutierrez, recently told the Associated Press. “He gave his life to this place — literally.”
One Injured Worker Remains in Serious Condition
Two other employees were hurt in the explosion.
One of the injured reportedly caught fire from the waist up and was airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. He remains in serious condition.
A second injured worker was taken to Lake Granbury Medical Center. He has since been released.
Investigators believe that the explosion may have been ignited when one of the injured workers dragged his foot across the floor while chemicals were being mixed, producing static electricity that ignited flammable vapors.
Workers at the facility wear special shoes designed to reduce or eliminate static discharge.
“Toxic, Flammable and Corrosive” Chemicals Stored at Tri-Chem Plant
The Tri-Chem Industries plant in Cresson mixed chemicals that are used by the oil and gas industry to drill disposal wells.
The Associated Press, which obtained Hood County records of Tri-Chem’s 2017 Tier 2 chemical inventory, characterized the chemicals stored at the facility as “toxic, flammable and corrosive.”
The news organization also noted that the county did not have the company’s emergency response plans in its files.
Search for Missing Worker to Resume Once Fire Burns Itself Out
Cresson Mayor and Assistant Fire Chief Bob Cornett told reporters on Sunday that conditions at the facility were too dangerous to resume the search for Mitchell.
Many of the chemicals stored at the plant react to heat, pressure and water, which prevented fire crews from turning their hoses on the blaze. Saturday evening’s rainy weather added to the danger.
Cornett indicated that the fire will be allowed to burn itself out before recovery crews enter the site.
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