Feds probe hydrogen sulfide leak that left 2 dead at Pemex refinery near Houston

EXPLAINER: What is hydrogen sulfide and why is it so lethal?

 

The release of hydrogen sulfide that killed two workers Thursday at the Pemex petroleum refinery in Deer Park, Texas has come under investigation by a federal agency.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said it had launched an investigation. Two contract workers died in the incident and another 13 others were transported to local medical facilities.

“This is a very serious incident that caused multiple fatalities and injuries and potentially put the surrounding community at risk,” said CSB Chairperson Steve Owens.
The release at the Pemex refinery, which is located about 18 miles east of Houston, also prompted a shelter-in-place order for two neighboring cities, and a portion of Texas State Highway 225 was closed temporarily. The CSB’s board members are appointed by the President subject to Senate confirmation.
The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.