SOUTH HOUSTON, Texas – Emergency crews are responding to a reported asphalt tank failure in the 300 block of Christy Place at Martin Asphalt Company, where authorities say one person was killed.
According to initial information, hazardous materials teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after 4 p.m. following the incident, prompting a large emergency response.
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Units from the Houston Fire Department’s Hazmat team have arrived on scene and are assisting alongside City of South Houston responders. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office Hazmat team responded to the scene as well.
Officials say a tank carrying 50,000 gallons of asphalt ruptured and spilled.
One person was unaccounted for after the spill and believed to be buried under three feet of asphalt. Fire crews were able to locate the person’s body, but it took some time to recover it. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office later confirmed crews were able to recover the person’s body.
Authorities don’t yet know what caused the tank to rupture and it is still under investigation.
Martin Asphalt released the following statement:
Martin Asphalt confirms with deep regret that an employee involved in a recent incident at our South Houston, Texas asphalt terminal has died. Due to conditions at the site, access to the affected area has been limited and the employee has not yet been recovered. Emergency response procedures were initiated and local emergency responders were notified and responded to the site. This is a tragic situation, and we are treating it with the utmost seriousness at every level of our company.
Our deepest sympathies are with the employee’s family during this difficult time. We are focused on supporting those affected, including providing appropriate resources to our workforce.
Safety is a fundamental priority for our company. We maintain established safety procedures and emergency response protocols across our operations, and those protocols were activated. We have commenced a comprehensive internal review of the incident and are in the process of gathering and evaluating all relevant facts and information. We are also cooperating with appropriate governmental authorities in connection with their reviews.
At this time, the cause of the incident has not been determined. It would be inappropriate to speculate prior to the completion of the review processes. Our focus is on ensuring a thorough, objective, and methodical evaluation of the circumstances.
Out of respect for the individual and their family, and to preserve the integrity of the ongoing review processes, we are not providing additional details at this time. We appreciate the public’s understanding as we work through this matter carefully and responsibly.
This statement reflects information currently available to the company. We will continue to evaluate information as it develops and will provide updates if and when appropriate.