La Porte, TX — Two workers are dead and 30 others were transported to area hospitals after 100,000lbs of acetic acid were leaked within the LyondellBasell facility at 1515 Miller Cut-Off Road at about 7:35 p.m. Tuesday. Acetic acid is used in food-grade vinegar and can cause severe burn injuries and can be lethal if swallowed or inhaled.
Officials for LyondellBasell stated Wednesday morning that the two fatalities were contractors for the plant. Out of the 30 workers that were hospitalized, one person suffered from chemical burn injuries while the remainder suffered from respiratory complications. Identities have not yet been released.
Site manager Stephen Goff said all other employees and contractors at the La Porte facility had been accounted for.
The cause of the leak is still unknown, though according to company officials the affected unit was partially shut down at the time of the incident. Harris County Constable Precinct 8 will be the lead jurisdiction in the investigation and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office will assist.
Harris County Pollution Control officials are ensuring that there is no current threat to air quality in the surrounding areas.
In a statement issued by La Porte EMS Tuesday night, “There is no shelter in place or other protective actions being recommended for the La Porte community at this time.”
Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office HAZMAT & pollution control are responding to the chemical breach at the @LyondellBasell sell facility near La Porte. 2 fatalities at the location. No reports of air quality or environmental impacts off site at this time.
— Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo (@HarrisCoJudge) July 28, 2021
Crews responding to ‘mass casualty' incident at LyondellBasell Industries in LaPorte, officials say https://t.co/qu7VSbXxyF
— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) July 28, 2021
New statement just released by @LyondellBasell after chemical leak that killed two workers in La Porte on Tuesday night.
— Wiley Post (@WileyPostKHOU) July 28, 2021
More to come today on @KHOU at Noon...#KHOU11 #LaPorte #HoustonNews pic.twitter.com/7ZRMWiXAY6
‘Medical incident’ reported at LyondellBasell chemical plant in La Porte https://t.co/iJc7XaiGuJ - My and I are in contact w/#HCFireMarshall and we are monitoring the incident. Our thoughts/prayers are with all employees and their families and w/surrounding community of #LaPorte.
— Adrian Garcia (@AdrianGarciaHTX) July 28, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. Williams Hart & Boundas advocates for the safety and protection of the chemical plant workers that keep this great city moving forward as a staple of the oil and gas industry. Without you, this community would not be what it is today.
If you’ve lost a loved one or experienced burn injuries or respiratory issues after the LyondellBasell incident, contact Williams Hart & Boundas Law Firm immediately to learn about your legal options. Massive petrochemical companies like LyondellBasell do not always have your best interest in mind in the aftermath of an incident of this magnitude. Protect yourself and your family. We have successfully represented oil and gas workers for decades, and we can do the same for you.
