There was an explosion and fire at ExxonMobil’s Baytown, Texas plant on December 23, 2021. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, there was an explosion around 1:00 a.m. at the plant’s oil refinery. The facility includes a chemical plant, an olefins plant and a 560,500 barrel-per-day oil refinery. Nearby residents experienced shaking houses, some even describing it like a bomb exploded or earthquake had occurred. At least four people were injured during the explosion and fire. Three of the workers required transport via helicopter, and one via ground ambulance, to receive treatment at a nearby hospital. At present, no shelter in place order for nearby residents has been issued.
This is not the first incident at the ExxonMobil Baytown refinery. An explosion and fire broke out at the plant in July 2019. During the 2019 event, 66 workers and contractors required medical care.
There have been a number of incidents at industrial and chemical plants. There was an explosion at the Sanderson Farms Mill in Collins, Mississippi on December 13, 2021. There was an explosion at the Alton Steel plant in Alton, Illinois on December 1, 2021. There was an explosion and fire at the Cleveland Cliffs steel mill in Burns Harbor, Indiana on November 30, 2021. There was an explosion at Westlake Chemical’s Petro Complex in Lake Charles, Louisiana on September 27, 2021.
Plants can pose significant dangers both to workers and to the general public. When dangerous work is involved, extra precautions must be taken, especially when catastrophic fires or explosions can occur. Although at this time it is not known what caused this incident, safe plant operators must always ensure that equipment is regularly inspected and safely maintained. Not only can an incident like this result in a catastrophic impact on the environment, but it can also result in a loss of life.
Those touched by an industrial accident should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving industrial and plant personal injury and wrongful death, including those caused by fires and explosions. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or as a result of a plant explosion, or been seriously injured.
The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a fire or explosion at a plant. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your legal rights.