Investigation Underway in Fatal Chemical Release in Texas
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iStock/Thinkstock(HOUSTON) — A team from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board arrived in Houston Sunday to begin its investigation into the fatal chemical release at the DuPont plant in La Porte, Texas.
The accident at DuPont’s facility, located east of Houston, killed four workers and injured a fifth when methyl mercaptan, a toxic chemical used in the company’s insecticide and fungicide manufacturing process, was released. A chemical tank containing methyl mercaptan sprung a leak.
CSB Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso said in a statement, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased workers. Our goal in investigating this accident is to determine the root cause and make recommendations to prevent any similar accidents throughout the industry.”
“There are no words to fully express the loss we feel or the concern and sympathy we extend to the families of the employees and their coworkers,” a statement from DuPont said. The company also acknowledged that it would cooperate with “local, state and federal authorities as they conduct a thorough investigation into the accident.”
The CSB does not issue citations or fines, but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
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