Seabrook, Texas Plant Explosion

SEABROOK, TX (12/08/09) - A gigantic plume of smoke could be seen for miles following what was described as an enormous explosion at the American Acryl facility in Seabrook, Texas. The explosion occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m.

The explosion is eerily similar to other past explosions in or around the same area, including the British Petroleum refinery explosion of March 2005, in which more than 100 employees and personnel were injured and 15 were killed.

So far, only minor injuries have been reported, however, as one anonymous on-site authority has noted, in blasts of this magnitude, injuries are certainly to be expected. Authorities have closed off portions of Texas Hwy 146 and Port Road, leading into and out of the blast area. Within an hour of the explosion, firefighters and plant crews appeared to have contained the blaze.

Richard Scott, Pasadena city spokesperson, said that a shelter in place warning was put into effect for all of Seabrook along with some areas of the city of Pasadena. Harris County Emergency Management Office spokesperson, Rosio Torres, said that because the explosion contained toluene (a very toxic substance) the shelter order was issued.

Nearby schools were also ordered to shelter in place, including Seabrook Intermediate School along with the following elementary schools: White, Bay, Stewart, Robinson and Mossman.

If you have been injured or if you've developed an occupational illness as a result of your refinery work, seek medical attention immediately and contact a lawyer. The Ogletree Abbott Law Firm can help. Our experienced lawyers can help you quickly find a doctor that's concerned about you. Financial strain is also a burden. We can help. Call us today at 1-800-779-4950 or contact us by email at Info@OgletreeAbbott.com and let us help you get the benefits you are entitled to as an injured refinery worker.