A fire at the Intercontinental Terminals broke out in Deer Park, TX roughly 15 miles southeast of Houston. Eight tanks have succumbed to overwhelming flames. Though two of the tanks were empty, six contained flammable components of gasoline and materials often used in glues, paint thinner, and nail polish. A drop in water pressure caused the fire to intensify and spread into additional tanks according to authorities.
Intercontinental Terminals Fire in Deer Park
No injuries have been reported and all employees have been accounted for. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. A giant plume of smoke was reported to be visible for miles- up to 35 miles southeast of the fire. It’s estimated the plume rose between 3,000 to 4,000 feet up into the air.
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A shelter-in-place was enacted due to the potential health hazards that could result from decreased air quality. The order was later lifted after tests to air-quality gave results showing no unsafe levels of chemicals. City officials warned the smoke from the blaze may cause eye irritation, respiratory issues, and skin irritation.
Working with chemicals and crude compounds is a challenging field. Large machinery and equipment used at an oil rig or a refinery can prove to be dangerous or even life-threatening if they malfunction from neglect or misuse. All too often, workspaces are not well maintained, resulting in an increased risk of an injury. If you’ve worked at a refinery that had inadequate safety measures or was poorly maintained, and became injured you’re entitled to compensation.
Common Oil Rig Refinery Injuries
This is a list of the most common injuries that you may receive from working at an oil rig or a refinery;
- Chemical exposure
- Crush related injuries
- Dismemberment
- Burns
- Bone fractures
- Amputation
- Death
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Brain injuries
The Facts
- Between January 2015 to February 2017 602 incidents were reported
- 481 hospitalizations occurred as a result of injury
- 166 amputations were performed
Contact an Experienced Oilfield Accident Attorney Today
Dangerous working conditions resulting from poorly maintained workspaces are all too common in the oil and refinery landscape. The realities of working in these fields can be harrowing when workers are faced with the potential of a debilitating injury. As an employee, if you receive an injury while working on the job you have a right to be compensated. As you travel down the road of recovery, let us guide you through the legal procedures.
Our expertise and knowledge is available to help you at a moment’s notice. We are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, ready to take your call and get you the help and compensation you deserve. The Patel Firm PLLC will fight tooth and nail to recover any damages you may have suffered.
Let’s discuss your options and find out how we can best help you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach us at (361) 400-2036.
