Chemical Leak in Deer Park Leaves Two Dead, Dozens Injured

Shelter-in-place orders were issued for residents of Deer Park and nearby Pasadena on Thursday evening in response to a chemical discharge at the Pemex refinery in Deer Park, which resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and the injuries of several dozen others.

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Ed Gonzalez, the sheriff of Harris County, confirmed the fatalities and reported that emergency personnel have been unable to access the affected area as a result of persistent safety concerns. He stated, "We are of the opinion that there are two deceased individuals on the scene at this time." He also noted that the situation is still in a state of flux and may require several hours to stabilize.

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Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless and toxic gas characterized by its rotten egg odor, was released by Pemex personnel at approximately 4:40 p.m. while they were working on a flange at the facility. Even in minute quantities, the gas can induce severe health complications, such as seizures and migraines.

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Despite the fact that the complex contained elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide, air monitoring conducted by Harris County Pollution Control did not reveal any hazardous levels in the surrounding community. Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton assuaged residents by asserting, "We have confirmed that there is no documented danger outside the complex, despite the fact that there may still be odors in the community."

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Local authorities advised residents to close windows and doors and turn off air conditioning units as a precaution. The shelter-in-place orders were withdrawn by 10 p.m. on Thursday night. Texas State Highway 225 has been reopened by the Texas Department of Transportation following intermittent closures.

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Pemex is ultimately responsible for the incident, and Shell Deer Park has verified that they are responding to the situation as a precautionary measure.

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