Two individuals tragically lost their lives following a leak at a Texas oil refinery, revealed to be employees of a maintenance subcontractor, as confirmed by the director of Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company. Director Victor Rodriguez stated during a news briefing in Mexico City that the two workers were in the affected area, directly impacted by the gas leak, as their bodies have since been recovered.
Mexican Energy Secretary Luz Elena Gonzalez assured that there is no longer any risk arising from the leak. The cause of the leak is currently under investigation. Pemex had previously announced the proactive halt of operations at two units of the oil refinery to mitigate the consequences of the incident.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez reported that two workers lost their lives, with nearly thirty-six others either receiving medical attention on-site or being transported to hospitals. The leak of hydrogen sulfide occurred at the facility in Deer Park. The names of the deceased have not been disclosed, with their remains now in the care of the Harris County medical examiner.
Hydrogen sulfide, a noxious gas potentially toxic at elevated levels, was the substance released during the incident, believed to have happened during maintenance work on a flange at the refinery. Despite a shelter-in-place order initially issued by city officials, this precaution was later rescinded following air monitoring that indicated no threat to the surrounding community, according to Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton.
Fortunately, there were no indications of the gas spreading beyond the facility. The recent leak marks the second incident prompting shelter-in-place orders in Deer Park within a short timeframe, with a pipeline fire last month necessitating evacuations in nearby neighbourhoods. The refinery is part of a network of oil refineries and plants that solidify Houston’s position as a petrochemical hub in the United States.