Two Dead, Several Injured in PEMEX Oil Refinery Chemical Leak in Deer Park, Texas
Deer Park, Texas — A tragic incident unfolded at a PEMEX oil refinery on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two workers and injuries to numerous others. The chemical leak, which occurred around 4:20 p.m., released hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic and colorless gas, into the air, according to the Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Authorities reported that two bodies were recovered from the scene, while at least 35 individuals received medical treatment. Sheriff Gonzalez announced the news during a press conference held later that evening. It remains unclear how many of the injured were treated on-site versus taken to nearby medical facilities.
In response to the leak, PEMEX, a Mexico-based oil company, initiated emergency protocols. Operations were immediately halted, and local officials were alerted. To ensure public safety, shelter-in-place orders were implemented for residents of Deer Park and parts of nearby Pasadena. The orders advised residents to stay indoors, shut all windows and doors, and turn off air conditioning systems to avoid exposure to the hazardous gas.
Air Quality Concerns
Fortunately, officials lifted the shelter-in-place orders after air monitoring revealed that no harmful chemicals had spread into the surrounding community. Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton assured residents, stating, “We’ve not gotten any air monitoring reports to show that anything has gotten into the community that would be a concern to any constituents in Deer Park.” He confirmed that air monitoring would continue as a precaution.
Residents reported a distinctive smell of hydrogen sulfide, often compared to rotten eggs, which drifted into local neighborhoods. Mayor Mouton said that the local utility, CenterPoint, received multiple calls about potential gas leaks, although he reiterated that air quality did not pose a threat outside the facility. “Other than the smell, we have not had any verifiable air monitoring to support that anything got outside the facility,” Mouton added.
Ongoing Investigation and Cleanup Efforts
As a cautionary measure, investigators have not yet entered the facility. Hazmat teams and fire marshals were still working to reduce chemical levels inside the plant, a process that Sheriff Gonzalez noted could extend through the night. State Highway 225, which had been temporarily closed near Beltway 8 due to the incident, has since reopened.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office will lead a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the chemical leak. PEMEX has also committed to conducting its investigation to identify the causes of this unfortunate event.
Recap of Recent Incidents
This recent leak is not the first safety concern to impact the community. Just last month, Deer Park residents faced a pipeline fire that broke out when an SUV collided with a liquid natural gas valve along the city’s border with La Porte. That incident led to the evacuation of around 100 homes and caused extensive damage to nearby properties, underlining the area’s vulnerability to hazardous incidents.
This is a developing situation, and more information will be made available as investigations continue.
