2 dead after leak at Texas chemical plant

Two people died and several were injured after a leak at a Texas chemical plant on Tuesday evening, authorities said.

Five people were treated for injuries at the scene, two were taken to hospital and 31 nearby were assessed, Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen said at a press conference on Tuesday. evening.

Chemical company LyondellBasell said in a statement that an acetic acid leak was the cause of the fatal injuries at its La Porte complex near Houston.

“Our on-site incident response team responded quickly and the leak is stopped,” said LyondellBasell, adding that monitoring air quality near the plant in an unincorporated part of County of Harris, shows “no level of concern” for residents.

“We know the impact has been limited here at the plant,” Christensen said.

Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office tweeted, “There is no shelter in place or other recommended protective measures at this time.”

Acetic acid is diluted in water to make white vinegar.

Christensen said Harris County Hazardous Materials crews were entering the site to conduct secondary research.