The company said both of the units being ramped up again following the leak of 100,000 lbs (45,000 kg) of the product are located in other parts of the site. According to firefighters, the chemical cocktail release also included methyl iodide and hydrogen iodide.

The Netherlands-headquartered, Texas-managed chemical producer said the cause of the incident is still unknown, and it will take some time before it can be determined. Investigations are under way and include a team from the US Chemical Safety Board (CSB). Harris County Pollution Control said initial reports indicate a possible cap burst on a pressured line.

At the start of August, LyondellBasell declared force majeure on propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PMA) as a result of the leak. According to reports, supply of acetic acid was already tight in the US prior to this incident, which has also impacted PMA production.

Lawsuits filed on behalf of affected workers

Meanwhile, the company is facing lawsuits from at least three injured workers. In separate filings, Bryant Hinojosa and Mike Lopez, who were inside the plant when the leak occurred, said they had to flee, suffering significant injuries. The Hinojosa lawsuit claims that LyondellBasell had identified the leak earlier in the day but declined to have it sealed immediately.

Benny Agosto Jr., a lawyer for Hinjosa, said his client suffered back and knee injuries while choking on chemical fumes, and “believed he would die.” The lawsuit claims that the acid release was “definitely preventable,” and worker safety was ignored.

Kurt Arnold, representation for Lopez, who claims he suffered multiple injuries all over his body as he evacuated the plant as well as mental and emotional injuries, said the company had failed to properly train employees, provide adequate equipment and maintain a safe work environment.

Both workers are seeking more than $1 million in monetary relief, including damages, court costs and attorney fees.

Agosto has also filed a lawsuit against LYB on behalf of Seth Wheeler, the only affected worker still hospitalized, alleging negligence. The attorney has also announced plans to file on behalf of one of those killed. Wheeler, who is said to be suffering from internal and external burns, reportedly has already required several surgeries on his face.

 LyondellBasell has declined to comment on any of the allegations, citing pending litigation.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist