Explosions, fires, and chemical releases are completely avoidable. These incidents can happen in refineries, plants, or anywhere natural gas or hydrocarbons are stored. The only way for any of these events to occur is if the owner or operator fails to follow federal or state safety rules to cut costs and increase profits, rather than prioritizing safety.
On July 27, 2021, an explosion occurred at the LyondellBasell chemical plant located at 1515 Miller Cut Off-Road, La Porte, Texas. LyondellBasell manufactures various heavy industrial products at this complex, including acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer, terephthalic acid, ethylene, propylene, and polyethylene. At approximately 7:35 p.m. 100,000 pounds of acetic acid was suddenly released by the leak, claiming two lives, and left more than forty people injured. The sudden release forced those not immediately, seriously injured as a result to run for their lives to avoid a painful death. Acetic acid leaks cause severe rashes and skin irritation as well as trouble with breathing or swallowing. This acid is very dangerous if swallowed or inhaled.
Harris County officials stopped the leak and began cleanup, at this time no shelter in place order has been issued. However, as with any dangerous release, individuals in and around the area should take extreme caution and seek medical attention upon the onset of any correlative symptoms.
If your life has been impacted as a result of the LyondellBasell chemical leak, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. or Ben Agosto III at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.