Deadly gas leak at Texas oil refinery sparks panic – What really happened at Pemex?

A deadly hydrogen sulfide gas leak at Pemex’s oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas, has left two workers dead and 35 others injured, drawing attention to safety concerns at petrochemical facilities across the region. The incident occurred on October 10, 2024, when maintenance was being conducted on a flange within the facility, which is operated by Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), Mexico’s state-owned oil company. The workers who died were subcontractors engaged in the maintenance work, according to Pemex Director Victor Rodriguez, who stated that both workers were in the area directly affected by the leak.

Leak Prompts Community Evacuation Orders

The leak triggered a shelter-in-place order for residents of Deer Park and neighboring Pasadena, as local authorities urged them to seal doors, windows, and shut off air conditioning units. The order was lifted later after air monitoring results indicated no significant risk to the surrounding communities, according to Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton. Despite the foul smell reported by residents, officials assured that air quality tests showed that no toxic concentrations of hydrogen sulfide had spread beyond the plant. However, this marks the second incident within weeks where Deer Park residents had to endure safety protocols following refinery malfunctions—a pipeline explosion at the same facility last month caused significant disruptions.

Cause of the Leak Under Investigation

The hydrogen sulfide leak, which happened at around 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, is currently under investigation by both Pemex and U.S. regulatory agencies. Hydrogen sulfide is known for its toxic properties at high concentrations and carries a characteristic “rotten egg” odor, which made its presence felt by nearby residents. Victor Rodriguez confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been recovered, while Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez mentioned that many of the affected workers were either transported to hospitals or treated at the scene for symptoms of exposure. There have been no names released yet, as the authorities continue to process the investigation and involve the families of the victims.

Implications for Worker Safety at Pemex Facilities

This tragic event has renewed concerns about worker safety protocols at Pemex’s facilities, which have experienced multiple incidents in recent years. Experts have pointed out that a combination of aging infrastructure and insufficient safety measures may be to blame for the recurring incidents. Mexican Energy Secretary Luz Elena Gonzalez emphasized that the situation was “under control” and that operations at two units within the refinery had been proactively halted in a bid to contain the effects of the gas leak. However, community members and environmental advocates remain skeptical, urging for more transparency and stricter safety standards.

This event also highlights the risks faced by subcontractors in hazardous environments, a point stressed by industrial safety experts who argue that external contractors often face the highest exposure to dangers. Pemex’s use of subcontractors for maintenance work is not uncommon, but the nature of such contracts often means that safety standards are inconsistently applied. Given the recurring incidents at Pemex facilities, there is an ongoing call for better enforcement of regulations not only at state-run facilities but also across the broader U.S. petrochemical industry.

Community Outcry and Previous Incidents

The Deer Park incident is the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the community, which has become accustomed to frequent alerts and evacuations due to refinery accidents. Just last month, Deer Park witnessed a four-day fire following a pipeline explosion, which led to similar shelter-in-place orders being enforced. Local residents have expressed growing frustration, as the repeated issues pose not only a health risk but also disrupt their day-to-day lives. The lack of any significant remedial action has sparked criticisms from community leaders, who argue that the safety of their neighborhoods is being compromised by industrial activities without adequate safeguards in place.

The broader Houston area, a hub of oil refineries and petrochemical plants, has long dealt with air quality concerns related to emissions from industrial accidents. Environmental groups have called for more robust legislation to safeguard residential areas close to these facilities, pointing out that each incident poses cumulative health impacts. The repeated shelter-in-place orders are a stark reminder of the environmental and human costs associated with the petrochemical industry, especially in regions where communities and industry co-exist side-by-side.