On Thursday, a chemical leak at a PEMEX oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas, resulted in the tragic deaths of two workers and injuries to several others. The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. when hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic gas, was released into the air at the plant.
Local authorities, including Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, responded to the scene where two bodies were discovered, and at least 35 individuals were triaged. The exact number of those treated on-site versus those transported to medical facilities remains unclear.
Upon detecting the leak, PEMEX, a Mexico-based oil company, promptly halted operations and notified local authorities. Shelter-in-place orders were issued for Deer Park residents and some individuals in neighboring Pasadena as a precautionary measure. These orders have since been lifted after air monitoring confirmed no hazardous chemicals had spread beyond the plant's vicinity.
Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton reassured the community that air monitoring would continue to ensure the safety of residents. Although hydrogen sulfide emits a distinct 'rotten egg' odor, no hazardous levels were detected outside the plant.
While some residents reported gas-like smells to the local utility, CenterPoint, officials emphasized that there was no evidence of a threat beyond the refinery. Hazmat and fire personnel are currently working to reduce chemical levels within the plant before investigators can enter the facility.
State Highway 225, which was briefly closed near Beltway 8, has since reopened to traffic. The Harris County Sheriff's Office will lead the investigation into the incident, with PEMEX also conducting its own inquiry to determine the cause of the leak.
This incident follows a recent pipeline fire in Deer Park caused by a vehicle collision with a liquid natural gas valve. The resulting blaze damaged nearby properties, vehicles, and led to the temporary evacuation of approximately 100 homes in the area.
