Port Arthur, Texas KMTEX Chemical Plant Explosion
One Texas chemical plant worker was killed and at least three others were injured after an
explosion and flash fire Thursday at the KMTEX plant near Port Arthur. State and federal agencies are already investigating how a highly flammable coal tar naptha solvent remained in the pipeline where welders were working. The line was believed to be clear at the time of the explosion.
Naptha is a byproduct of refined crude oil and is extremely flammable.
A helicopter transported two of the injured workers to UTMB in Galveston, Texas. These two workers suffered burns, head injury, and leg fractures. A third injured chemical plant worker sustained a concussion and was taken to Christus St. Mary's hospital in Port Arthur.
Workers over a mile away both felt and heard the explosion when it happened. No identities or conditions have been released. KMTEX processes petrochemicals and other types of chemicals. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KMCO.
Texas Personal Injury Lawyers have seen multiple refinery, chemical plant and construction site fatalities already this year just in Texas. Safety must be improved at work sites, especially those which house dangerous, toxic, flammable chemicals. Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. accepts Texas personal injury cases for all types of plant and refinery accidents, and our lawyers have handled cases involving:
