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2 Dead in La Porte, Texas, Chemical Leak

4 others sustained burns
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 28, 2021 12:00 AM CDT
2 Dead in La Porte, Texas, Chemical Leak
Stock photo.   (Getty Images / standret)

Two people are dead after a chemical leak Tuesday evening at plant in La Porte, Texas, company officials said. The incident happened about 7:35pm and involved an acetic acid leak at the LyondellBasell facility in the La Porte Complex, company spokesperson Chevalier Gray said in a statement. Emergency responders from the City of La Porte and Channel Industries Mutual Aid were on the scene Tuesday night, the AP reports. Gray said two people “sustained fatal injuries” and four others sustained burns. Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen confirmed at least three more injuries during a news conference Tuesday night.

Christensen said 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. “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.

(More Texas stories.)

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