A contractor was killed on Saturday in an explosion at a chemical tank at the PeroxyChem’s Bayport plant in Pasadena, Texas. Two plant employees and a second contractor were taken to a hospital for injuries sustained in the explosion and an ensuing chemical spill.
The incident is under investigation, but according to a statement by PeroxyChem, the explosion occurred at around 12:30pm during a “routine exercise” at the plant. Early reports stated that the contractor’s “equipment” exploded, but the Pasadena Fire Marshal’s Office stated that an over-pressurized chemical tank was to blame. The tank reportedly ruptured, releasing the chemical-an “oil based cleaning solution.”
One contractor was pronounced dead at the scene, and another contractor was sent to the hospital with a broken arm. Two plant employees were also sent to the hospital for exposure to the unidentified chemical. There have been no reports as to the extent of injury to the two employees treated for chemical exposure, and there are no reports as to the current status of the injured. The names of the deceased and the injured have not been released, nor has the name of the company employing the contractors involved.
The “oil based cleaning solution” released in the explosion has not been identified in news reports. According to its website, “PeroxyChem is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, persulfates and adjacent technologies.”
If you or someone you know has been injured in an industrial accident, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211.