Police: 1 dead, 3 injured in leak at Pasadena chemical plant

PASADENA, Texas – One person was killed and three others were injured during an explosion at a chemical plant in Pasadena Saturday afternoon.

“When something like this happens, it's quite a shock to the folks here,” said Peroxy Site Manager Joe Ainsworth.

It happened at about 12:45 p.m. at PeroxyChem in the 12000 block of block of Bay Area Blvd.
According to Pasadena police, about 1,000 gallons of an oil-based cleaning solution leaked, causing the explosion.

“Plant employees and contractors were conducting a routine function when the contractor’s equipment exploded," PeroxyChem officials released in a statement.

Two PeroxyChem employees and a contractor were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. One victim suffered a broken arm and two needed treatment for chemical exposure, police said.

Another contractor, Rickey Giddens, 62, died at the scene.

“It's a chemical they work with all the time. It's not significant toxic properties, but it's a precaution we send them to the emergency room anyway to have them treated and looked at,” said Ainsworth.

The plant which was 90 acres produces hydrogen peroxide. The site manager said it has an,"outstanding safety record."

“First ever there's been a fatality here and the last incident involved in the process with any kind of injury was back in 2008 or 2007,” said Ainsworth.

The injured workers were expected to recover.

“We are deeply saddened to report the loss of the contractor. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” said the statement.

OSHA was expected to investigate.


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