Two workers lost their lives, and 35 others were injured in a hydrogen sulfide gas leak at a Pemex-operated oil refinery on Thursday. The leak occurred during maintenance work on a flange, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Nearly three dozen workers were treated at the scene or transported to hospitals.

The refinery, part of Houston’s petrochemical hub, promptly shut down affected units. Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, has launched an investigation into the cause and is working to mitigate further risks.

Immediate Response and Safety Measures

Local authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents, which was lifted after air quality monitoring showed no risk to the community, according to Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas with a foul odor, can be deadly at high concentrations, emphasizing the importance of rapid containment and public safety measures.

Calm wind conditions helped prevent the gas from spreading beyond the plant, noted meteorologist David Paul.

Ongoing Investigation and Lawsuit Filed Against Pemex

Investigators were unable to access the facility immediately due to safety concerns but expect to continue the investigation soon. This marks the second major incident in Deer Park in recent weeks, following a pipeline fire that forced neighborhood evacuations.

In response to the leak, injured workers have filed a lawsuit against Pemex, accusing the company of “complete and reckless disregard” for worker safety. The lawsuit claims Pemex failed to implement adequate safety measures, leading to the tragic deaths and injuries.

Saltegra’s Commitment to Safety

At Saltegra Consulting, we specialize in preventing incidents like these through comprehensive Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and robust Process Safety Management (PSM) strategies. This tragic event highlights the critical need for strong safety measures in high-hazard industries. Our team works tirelessly to identify risks, assess hazards, and implement safeguards that protect workers, communities, and the environment.

Contact us to learn how Saltegra Consulting can help strengthen your facility’s safety protocols and reduce the risk of similar incidents.

References:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-pemex-plant-hydrogen-sulfide-leak-deer-park/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/lawsuit-accuses-pemex-of-being-reckless-putting-workers-at-risk-after-chemical-leak-in-deer-park/ar-AA1sgnS5

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