Two people died and at least 35 others were hurt after a toxic chemical leak of hydrogen sulfide at a PEMEX facility in Deer Park, Texas, authorities said Thursday.
The refinery told officials the gas release was first reported at one of its units at 4:40 p.m.
Officials couldn’t immediately elaborate on the extent of injuries and damage because they were unable to access the affected unit.
Smell of hydrogen sulfide seeped out into the surrounding area but Mayor Jerry Mouton reassured residents that there was no chemical leak outside of the facility.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also said the “situation seems contained to the scene, and no threat to the external community.”
State Highway 225 has been temporarily closed as officials assessed the situation.
“Some members of the community may see flaring as we safely contain the situation,” the facility said in a statement.
“We are closely monitoring air quality and are not detecting any offsite impacts.”
PEMEX is a refinery that processes crude oil into gasoline, aviation fuel, ship fuel, and diesel fuel.
