A tragic accident occurred at the Deer Park refinery facilities, owned by PEMEX, located in Texas, USA, resulting in the death of two workers and five more injuries. The incident, which was initially reported as a fire at 6:18 p.m. (local time), took place at 5900 Highway 225.
INCIDENT DETAILS
The event was triggered by a sulfur leak, which led authorities to quickly confirm the death of one person at the scene and the transfer of another by the Life Flight air emergency service. PEMEX, through its official account, activated emergency protocols, stopping the operations of the coking unit and hydrotreatments to mitigate the impact.
In its statement, the company confirmed that five workers are being treated and regretted the two deaths. The leak began at 4:40 p.m., and security venting was carried out, complying with established protocols.
WARNINGS TO THE COMMUNITY
As a precautionary measure, Deer Park and Pasadena authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for Deer Park residents. The population was urged to remain in their homes, closing windows and doors, and avoiding the use of air conditioning until they receive more information. Additionally, State Highway 225 was closed in the affected area.
Hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic and flammable gas, was identified as the substance released. This gas, which has a characteristic “rotten egg” odor, can cause serious adverse health effects even at low concentrations.
IMPORTANCE OF THE DEER PARK REFINERY
The Deer Park refinery, acquired by the Government of Mexico in 2022 during the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is crucial for the country’s energy sovereignty. With a processing capacity of 340 thousand barrels per day, this facility not only produces gasoline, aviation fuel and diesel, but has also been a pillar in the government’s strategy to confront inflation and energy dependence.
Despite the challenges faced by the purchase, including delays and legal claims, the acquisition of Deer Park has allowed PEMEX to advance its goal of energy self-sufficiency, generating a significant impact on the cost of fuels in Mexico.
Investigations into the causes of the accident are already underway and PEMEX is committed to working on the reactivation of the facilities, prioritizing the safety of its workers and the community. Meanwhile, attention is focused on the families of the victims and the speedy recovery of the injured.
2024-10-11 02:10:00