Massive fire after explosion at Shell refinery plant in TX

[schwartzie]

Six injured in Shell Texas chemical plant fire -sources

By Erwin Seba

HOUSTON, May 5 (Reuters) - Six people were injured after a fire broke out in an olefins unit on Friday at Shell Plc's (SHEL.L) Deer Park, Texas chemical plant, said five people familiar with plant operations.



The extent of their injuries was unknown as of 5 p.m. CDT (2200 GMT).


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A large column of black smoke could be seen rising from the fire in the olefins unit located near Highway 225 in the Houston suburb of Deer Park, the sources said.



A Shell spokesperson did not reply to a request for comment.



In a notice posted on a website for nearby residents, Shell said there was a fire at the chemical plant.



All personnel at the plant at the time the fire broke out had been accounted for by 4 p.m. CDT



Operations at the neighboring Pemex (PEMX.UL) refinery were continuing despite the fire in the chemical plant, said sources familiar with the refinery's operations.



Pemex issued a statement saying the fire was not at one of its units and its emergency response team was assisting in battling the blaze.



Pemex bought the Deer Park refinery from Shell in 2022.

[ExquisiteGerbil]

Sky Fills With Black Smoke After Reported Explosion and Fire at Industrial Park Near Houston

By Margaret Flavin
May. 5, 2023 5:05 pm


On Friday, smoke engulfed an olefins unit at Shell Plc’s Deer Park, a Texas chemical plant near Houston.



According to Fox26 in Houston, “An Environmental Duty Representative at Shell Deer Park shared this statement: ‘We are currently experiencing fire within one of our units. The incident is being handled within the boundaries of this facility and there is no threat to the community from this incident. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.'”

Deer Park ISD shared, “The District has received reports of a fire at a facility north of State Highway 225. Emergency officials have not called for a Shelter in Place because the wind is blowing away from the City of Deer Park and our schools. At this point, the incident is not affecting school dismissal, which is taking place according to the regular schedule. We will continue to monitor the situation.” 

This story is developing.

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