OxyChem explosion: No injuries after chlorine-based release, explosion at Ingleside plant
San Patricio County emergency management officials were notified of a small fire and explosion at the OxyChem chemical plant just outside Ingleside Thursday afternoon.
According to emergency management coordinator Sara Williams, the department was notified of the incident around 1:30 p.m. Williams said the fire was contained and the plant was sheltered in place and conducting air monitoring to ensure no harmful chemicals were released.
It was expected that air monitoring would be conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
A TCEQ spokesman said the agency will investigate whether any violations occurred.
Around 3:15 p.m., the department was notified that the plant lifted its shelter-in-place order and no injuries were reported.
San Patricio County Sheriff Oscar Rivera said the on-site fire chief at the OxyChem plant told him the chemical release was contained and it is believed that no product or vapor of the product has left the site.
What's OxyChem's response?
It's not clear how the fire or explosion were caused. A spokesperson for OxyChem said the chemical release was "chlorine based."
OxyChem issued a statement Thursday evening acknowledging that the Ingleside facility “experienced a release at the plant.”
"There were no injuries, the issue was isolated and resolved by employees, and an all-clear has been issued,” spokesman Shane Boyd said. “For OxyChem, protecting the safety, security and health of our workers and neighboring communities is our first priority."
This is a developing story. Check caller.com for updates.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: No injuries reported after explosion at OxyChem plant in Ingleside
