An explosion occurred late this morning at an industrial gas facility in La Porte. According to authorities, fire and ambulance crews responded to the explosion at the Linde Gas facility on Strang Road at roughly 11:30 am. Representatives from the company released a statement saying that the blast was caused by a line breach and high pressure release.

Workers and nearby residents, including those from the Baytown area, reported a loud noise when the explosion occurred. Workers at the facility immediately shut down the unit that caused the breach and secured the facility. First responders and the company have confirmed that the release of gases has been stopped, and that there is no risk to the surrounding residents and community.

Although no serious injuries have yet been reported, authorities have stated that several people were treated at the scene for ear pain, dizziness, and other effects caused by the blast.

Local and federal regulators are still conducting an investigation to determine what caused the breach and whether it could have been prevented. Public safety advocates will also be working to ensure that all workers are safe and accounted for, and that there are no health consequences associated with any leaked gases.

Linde Gas, which owns and operates the facility, produces a variety of chemicals, some of which can be harmful when exposed to humans and the environment. These include chemicals such as chlorine, propylene, ammonia, copper, and zinc compounds. Records from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that the plant has not been compliant with the Clean Air Act since 2015. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has also fined the plant approximately $100,000 since 2009. Some of those fines involved violations of pollution and emission regulations. Linde also settled a water violation last year for $20,000. That suit claimed the plant discharged chemicals for nearly 6 months in 2015.

Industrial Accidents & Victims’ Rights

The Daspit Law Firm is a Houston-based personal injury law firm that represents victims harmed in all types of accidents across Texas and the surrounding region, including those involving industrial accidents, oil and gas accidents, explosions, and plant and refinery accidents. Through handling these cases and staying up to date on the latest incidents and legal actions involving these matters (we recently reported on a drilling rig explosion in Oklahoma that killed 5 workers last month), we have cultivated the insight and resources to effectively advocate for the rights of injured victims and families, and to hold facilities accountable for negligence, OSHA violations, chemical exposure, and other failures to ensure the safety of their workers and nearby residents.

If you have questions regarding an industrial accident and your legal rights, we encourage you to contact our team 24/7 for a FREE consultation. Call (888) 273-1045 to speak with an attorney.