Texas chemical plant leak: Two dead, dozens sustain 'fatal' injuries

Two people have died while dozens have sustained fatal injuriesfollowing a leak of acetic acidat a plant in La Porte, Texas.

The leak came from the 31,500-bpd alkylation unit 3, which uses hydrofluoric acid to convert refining by-products into octane-boosting components added to gasoline, officials said.

The incident happened about 7:35 pm and involved an acetic acid leak at the LyondellBasell facility in the La Porte Complex, company spokesperson Chevalier Gray said in a statement.

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The United Steelworkers union, which represents refinery workers, has sought to end the industry's use of extremely toxic HF because of the risks to workers and nearby residents of exposure.

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, LyondellBasell also said.

Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen said at a news conference night that one person was life-flighted to a hospital and one was sent by ambulance.

Five others were treated at the scene and dozens were being monitored for symptoms that could include difficulty breathing and swallowing and irritants or burns to the skin.

The company said it was working closely with responders to confirm all employees were accounted for.

''Sometimes the terminology in these situations when there's a leak, you think of something pouring out. A leak could also be something exploded off the top and the chemical came out. So once we get into the investigation, we'll be able to specifically detail that out,''Christensen said.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a statement on Twitter saying that she was ''heartbroken."

"Heartbroken to hear of the two fatalities at the LyondellBasell facility in La Porte," Hidalgo said in a tweet.

Gray said: ''Our county and other first responder agencies are working to support the other workers impacted and to verify that air monitoring demonstrated no levels of concern for the community.''

''The area is in unincorporated Harris County, adjacent to the city of La Porte. There is no shelter in place or other protective actions being recommended for the La Porte community at this time,''according to a statement issued by La Porte EMS.

(With inputs from agencies)