Emergency responders were seen arriving at a Louisiana chemical plant late Monday, September 27, 2021, after an explosion was reported around 11:00 p.m. The blast was reported at Westlake Chemical, a petrochemical plant located approximately 15 miles west of Lake Charles in Sulphur, Louisiana. At least five individuals, all identified as contract employees working the turnaround, were injured and taken to local hospitals. A spokesperson for the company stated that the explosion occurred at the Petro Complex 2 Unit. According to the spokesperson, the unit is used in the production of ethylene and was undergoing maintenance at the time of the explosion.
The explosion was a flash fire—a fire created by the ignition of flammable substances in the air. Where oxygen mixes with a fuel such as dust, gas, or the vapors of an ignitable liquid, ignition can occur from various heat sources creating a rapidly moving flame front. Due to the nature of the materials and liquids around which they operate, workers in the oil and gas industries routinely work in areas where flash fire hazards exist. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the cause of the explosion.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an industrial accident or refinery explosion, it is important to find a law firm with experience handling cases of this nature to ensure that companies are held accountable. The attorneys at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner are standing by to assist with your claim. Call us for a free consultation at (713) 742-6015 or toll-free at 888-229-5132.