Chemical leak triggers emergency in Texas

A chemical accident at the Deer Park oil refinery in Texas reportedly killed two people and injured five others on Thursday.

Authorities have urged locals to remain indoors and keep their air conditioners off until the all-clear is given.

The leak was reported at around 4:40pm local time, triggering emergency protocols. According to initial reports, a contractor working at the refinery, owned by the Mexican state petroleum company Pemex, accidentally opened a line containing highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.

The contractor is one of the two individuals believed to be dead. Authorities have only confirmed one fatality, but a second body was seen being airlifted from the scene by a Life Flight helicopter.

“To mitigate the impact, the operation of the coking unit and hydro treating units was proactively stopped, and safety venting was carried out, notifying the authorities according to established protocols,” Pemex said in a statement.

The Mexican company claimed that “no impact on the community has been reported.”

In response to the leak, a shelter-in-place order was issued for all residents of Deer Park and the surrounding areas. The nearby city of Pasadena issued a similar order.

Residents have been advised to remain indoors, close their windows and doors, and keep their air conditioners turned off until the all-clear is given.

Hydrogen sulfide is used in various industrial processes, including petroleum production and refining. It is also a highly toxic, corrosive and flammable substance. At higher concentrations, it poses serious health risks and can be life-threatening if inhaled.