Two dead, several injured in acid leak at LyondellBasell plant in Texas

Two people were killed and several others injured following a leak of acetic acid at a LyondellBasell chemical plant in La Porte, Texas, the company said.

The incident occurred after a unit was shut earlier in the day for planned maintenance. Approximately 100,000 pounds of acetic..

acid was released before the leak was stopped. 

Two contractors were fatally injured, while officials said 30 workers had to be taken to local hospitals. Out of the 30 workers who were hospitalized, one person suffered burns, the rest suffered from respiratory complications. All other employees and contractors had been accounted for.

Lyondell said the leak had been stopped and clean-up was in progress. Air monitoring indicated no levels of concern for the community and appropriate regulatory agencies were notified.

La Porte is located southeast of Houston, near the Houston Ship Channel.

An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway, Lyondell said.

Από το hydrocarbonprocessing.com