A chemical leak occurred at a PEMEX oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas, on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of two workers and injuries to several others. The leak, which involved hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic gas, was reported at around 4:20 p.m. local time.
According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, hydrogen sulfide leaked into the air, leading to a rapid response by emergency services. The sheriff confirmed that two bodies were found at the scene, and at least 35 people were triaged, although it remains unclear how many were treated on-site or transported to medical facilities.
In response to the leak, PEMEX, a Mexico-based oil company, immediately halted operations and notified local authorities. The city of Deer Park and parts of neighboring Pasadena were placed under shelter-in-place orders, with residents being advised to stay indoors, close windows, and turn off air conditioning systems.
However, these orders were lifted after air monitoring revealed no hazardous chemicals had escaped the plant into the surrounding areas. Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton assured the public that continuous air monitoring showed no signs of danger to the local population.
Chemical Leak at Texas PEMEX Refinery Kills Two Workers, Prompts Shelter-in-Place Orders
Hydrogen sulfide is a gas commonly used in oil and gas refining, and it is known for its distinctive “rotten egg” smell. Despite the odor reaching some neighborhoods, Mayor Mouton emphasized that there was no verifiable air quality issue outside the refinery.
The local utility company, CenterPoint, received several reports from residents concerned about potential gas leaks due to the smell. However, officials reiterated that there were no hazardous materials detected outside the facility.
Efforts to stabilize the situation at the refinery are ongoing. Hazmat teams and fire marshal personnel are still working to reduce chemical levels inside the plant, delaying investigators from entering the facility. Sheriff Gonzalez explained that the process of securing the area would likely continue throughout the night. State Highway 225, which had been briefly closed, was reopened after the immediate threat had passed.
The sheriff’s office is leading an investigation into the cause of the leak, with PEMEX conducting its own inquiry as well. This incident comes just a month after a separate accident in Deer Park, where a pipeline fire, caused by a vehicle crash, damaged homes and forced the evacuation of around 100 residences.
The community has been dealing with multiple industrial incidents in recent months, raising concerns about safety and the potential impact on the local population.
