An explosion at the PeroxyChem plant in Pasadena this Saturday has resulted in one fatality and three serious injuries.
The blast was reported at approximately 12:45 p.m. after an over-pressurized tank holding an oil-based cleaning solution exploded. One worker, a contractor, was killed at the scene. Three other workers have been hospitalized, with one worker suffering from a broken arm and two others receiving treatment for chemical exposure.
According to PeroxyChem spokeswoman Natalie Kay, the workers had been conducting a routine function at the time of the accident. The company has released a statement expressing their condolences to the family and friends of the contractor who lost his life.
PeroxyChem is a manufacturer of hydrogen peroxide, persulfates, calcium peroxide and per-acetic acid, as well as a variety of other products for industrial and consumer markets, including paper, polymer, pulp, and more. The company employs roughly 550 people.
The Environmental Protection Agency is currently gathering information on the accident. The plant was last inspected by the agency in 2014 and was found to be in compliance with the Clean Air Act.
This tragic accident is just one of many that have occurred within the Houston area's industrial industry in the past few years. You may recall another Pasadena accident that occurred this past October, when four workers were seriously burned in an explosion at the SunEdision plant. And in 2014, a massive chemical leak at the La Porte DuPont facility resulted in four more deaths, which might have been prevented if the company had been in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
Tracey & Fox is a leading source of personal injury representation in Texas. Victims of industrial accidents are encouraged to contact a Dallas catastrophic injury lawyer to protect their legal rights after an accident. Our Dallas office can be reached at (214) 363-4480.