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A significant explosion of some nature has resulted in what is being called a “fiery fire” at the Shell Deer Park chemical plant. The blaze has resulted in the evacuation of the expansive chemical facility and at least two workers have been transported to an area medical center. The condition of these workers is not yet known. In addition, their names have not been released pending notification of families.
The possibility does exist that other people at the Shell Deer Park chemical plant have been injured in the explosion and fire. Additional information simply is not available at this time because this is a developing situation being monitored. The Shell Deer Park chemical plant is located at Beltway 8 and State Highway 225.
The focus at this time is on fighting the fire in the aftermath of the Shell Deer Park chemical plant explosion. Therefore, investigatory experts are tentative and have only commenced at this time.
Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton answers some questions from the media about the blast and fire. While the Mayor does not cite the source of his information, he did state that the Shell Deer Park chemical plant explosion occurred because of what he described as an “oil and gas leak.” Again, without citing his source, the Mayor went on to state that the smoke cloud being released from the fire consisted of what he is calling “burnt carbon.” He advises that the community is safe from the smoke (although the agencies mentioned a moment ago have not made a final conclusion in regard to civilian safety).
Firefighters at the scene have not made any specific statements pertaining to the cause of this latest Harris County explosion and fire. They have noted only that maintenance on a heat exchanger was occurring at the time of the explosion. Technically speaking, heat exchangers are described as among the most important types of equipment used in chemical plants. Heat exchanging equipment is designed to control the temperature of corrosive liquids or to cause the condensation of corrosive gases as part of chemical processes.
Directly after the explosion and the start of the fire, a growing dark black smoke began spreading over Deer Park and then the surrounding area. The smoke plume seems to be blowing away from Deer Park to other environs as the result of prevailing wind patterns in the area the afternoon of the fire. The smoke plume can be seen from miles around the explosion site.
Beyond the evacuation at the Shell Deer Park chemical plant itself, residents of Deer Park have not been advised or ordered to leave their homes or businesses. Having said that, a number of different agencies are closely monitoring air conditions and safety. These agencies are:
These various agencies do not rule out the possibility that a stay in place order or evacuation might ultimately be ordered by officials. Air monitoring will continue indefinitely until the potential for the community being exposed to toxins in the black smoke plume has mitigated entirely. Ultimately, testing will also be done to determine whether or not the explosion and fire has in any way resulted in the contamination of soil or water.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an incident like the Shell Deer Park chemical plant explosion accident, the experienced, compassionate team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. We have a Shell Deer Park chemical plant explosion accident lawyer available to answer your questions at no-cost and no-obligation to you. You can reach a Texas chemical plant explosion accident attorney from our firm any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000. We can also arrange a consultation with you online.
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