2 dead, at least 35 injured after chemical release reported at refinery in Deer Park, officials say
https://abc13.com/post/deer-park-pemex-facility-is-emergency-situation-involving-life-flight-officials-say/15414117/
DEER PARK, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities have confirmed that two people died and at least 35 were injured after a chemical leak at a Pemex facility on Thursday evening.
Officials with the Pemex facility at 5900 Highway 225 told ABC13 at about 6:18 p.m. that they were "dealing with an emergency" that began at 4:40 p.m., according to a statement issued hours later.
The chemical, hydrogen sulfide, is a colorless gas known for its pungent "rotten egg" odor at low concentrations. It is extremely flammable and highly toxic and can cause mild headaches, eye irritation, unconsciousness, and death-- even at low concentrations.
In a press conference Thursday night, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said authorities are working to learn if there are any more deaths.
Eyewitness News saw several ambulances responding and two Life Flight helicopters on standby. SkyEye was over the active scene while Harris County Hazmat Response crews were at work.
Pasadena and Deer Park officials lifted the city shelter-in-place orders after Harris County Pollution Control completed air monitoring in the area and no longer detected hazardous chemicals in the air.