Chemical plant explosion, fire sends plume of smoke over city
CROSBY, TX--A plume of smoke reminiscent of a recent petrochemical disaster in Houston, billowed from the KMCO specialty chemical processing plant Tuesday.
Local officials said they received reports of an explosion at the plant. Officials later confirmed one employee was killed and two more were injured and taken to area hospitals.
A shelter in place was ordered for residents within a 1-mile radius of the plant and at two local school districts. Roads surrounding the plant were also closed.
Local media reported residents said the explosion shook their homes as a large plume of smoke billowed over the plant. Smoke could be seen up to 20 miles away from the plant.
According to the company's website, the plant manufactures products such as glycol, oilfield products and more.
Local officials said a preliminary report indicated that isobutylene, a colorless gas with a faint petroleum-like odor was burning at the plant. The Sheriff said a transfer line ignited and a tank caught fire, which spread to a nearby building that contains dry chemicals.
John Foley, president and CEO of KMCO, issued the following statement:
“There was an incident resulting in an ignition and fire today April 4, 2019, at KMCO, LLC in Crosby, Texas. We are deeply saddened to confirm at this time that there have been injuries and one fatality. Those injured have been transported for medical treatment. Our hearts and prayers go out to the individuals involved, as well as our first responders, employees and our community.
“We have activated the company’s emergency response team and incident command center. We are working with local first responders to extinguish the fire. We will give another update as additional information becomes available.
“We apologize for any inconvenience to residents in the vicinity. The wellbeing of our people, neighbors and the environment remain our top priorities.”
Cleanup efforts are still underway in Deer Park, Texas after a chemical plant fire sent billows of smoke into the air for days. The local emergency management office said the county remained at Level 3- Increased Readiness as clean up efforts were underway at the ITC site in Deer Park. The office said they were also actively monitoring the KMCO explosion.
Crosby Plant Fire: What I know-a transfer line ignited in the area of a tank with Isobutylene and the tank caught on fire. An adjacent storage building with solid goods also caught fire. Trying to contain it. #HouNews
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) April 2, 2019
Crosby Plant fire: arriving in the general area. Information is preliminary: schools have sheltered in place, a few pops have been heard, air seems to be moving in Southwest direction. #HouNews pic.twitter.com/jFECk4g8AJ
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) April 2, 2019
HCFMO is on scene of a plant fire/explosion. Warehouse is currently on fire, trying to determine what products are involved. pic.twitter.com/KxuqkJptRy
— Harris Co. FMO (@hcfmo) April 2, 2019
We remain at Level 3- Increased Readiness as we continue to monitor clean- up efforts at the ITC site in Deer Park. We are also actively monitoring the KMCO explosion in Crosby, TX. County resources from @FMO @HCSOTexas and Harris County Pollution Control are en route to assist.
— Harris County OHSEM (@ReadyHarris) April 2, 2019
WE HAVE RECEIVED REPORTS OF AN EXPLOSION AT KMCO LOCATED AT 16503 RAMSEY RD. A SHELTER IN PLACE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR ALL CROSBY ISD AND RESIDENTS. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PICK UP YOUR KIDS FROM SCHOOL, WE HAVE THEM SECUREDIN PLACE. WE WILL UPDATE AS INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE. pic.twitter.com/wHcdBVCGi3
— HCCO Pct. 3 (@HCCOPct3) April 2, 2019
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