Deadly Deer Park Chemical Leak Caused by Improper Flange Opening, Safety Board Says – Houston Public Media

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The Deer Park chemical spill that killed two people and injured several others occurred when two contract workers opened the wrong collar, according to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board.

Two people died and about 35 were injured after hydrogen sulfide was released from a pipeline at a Deer Park industrial plant in October. At least 13 of the 35 people injured in the crash were taken to nearby hospitals.

According to an update on an investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, the release occurred when two Repcon contract workers partially opened a flange connection on the wrong pipeline.

According to the safety board, the work was to be done on a different, isolated section of the pipeline located about five feet from the flange.

“Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic substance that can cause serious injury and death even at low concentrations,” CSB President Steve Owens said in a press release. “This dangerous incident resulted in the death of two workers and placed other workers and surrounding communities at very serious risk.”

One of the contract workers died during the release of the chemical.

Another contract employee from a separate company who was working on equipment less than 250 feet away from the launch also died during the launch.

The Safety Board’s investigation into the incident is focusing on work permitting practices, energy isolation procedures, emergency preparedness and respiratory protection.

The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story.