DEER PARK, Texas (AP) — Authorities have confirmed that two people died and at least 35 were injured after a chemical leak Thursday after hydrogen sulfide leaked at the plant, setting off urgent warnings for nearby residents to stay indoors before authorities later determined that the public was not in danger.
In a press conference Thursday night, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said authorities are working to learn if there are any more deaths.
The plant is operated by Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, and located in the suburb of Deer Park.
Nearly three dozen other people were either transported to hospitals or treated at the scene, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Hours after the leak began, Gonzalez said the area was still unsafe for investigators to enter and that officials may not be able to get inside until Friday.
Hydrogen sulfide (also known as H2S, sewer gas, swamp gas, stink damp, and sour damp) is a colorless gas known for its pungent "rotten egg" odor at low concentrations.
It is extremely flammable and highly toxic. Hydrogen sulfide also occurs naturally in sewers, manure pits, well water, oil and gas wells, and volcanoes. It can cause mild headaches, eye irritation, unconsciousness, and death-- even at low concentrations.
Information provided by & Article credit: ABC13 Houston & KPLC 7 News