Thousands of Americans are forced to seek refuge due to a chemical leak in Texas (3 photos + 2 videos)
Category: Fires and Catastrophes, PEGI 0+
Today, 03:34
On the morning of May 20, sirens blared at Olin Plant B in Freeport. The alarm was triggered by a chlorine gas release. Four workers were injured and thousands of residents were ordered to take shelter. 
Videos from the scene showed clouds of yellow gas escaping from the plant.
One of the victims was hospitalized but is doing well. Doctors are confident he will recover quickly. The union said the worker had been employed at the plant since 1990.
Lake Jackson police said the chlorine leak had reached level three, meaning the gas had spread beyond the plant's boundaries.
Inhaling even small amounts of chlorine can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. At higher concentrations, the gas can cause lung damage, including pulmonary edema, and can be fatal.
Freeport, a city of more than 10,500 in Brazoria County, urged residents to stay home. That included schools and nearby communities.
The leak was stopped at 9:46 a.m. that day.
Local resident Michael Kelly told Click2Houston, “Explosions and gas leaks are common here. Chemical plants have safety precautions in place to deal with accidents. It’s not a desirable situation, but it does happen.”
“There is no immediate threat to nearby towns at this time,” authorities told KHOU11.
However, residents in nearby communities have reported a burning sensation in their eyes.
“Very strong odor throughout Clutha and Lake Jackson. Eyes are burning,” one person on social media complained.
Olin Plant B in Freeport is part of the Dow Texas Operations chemical manufacturing complex.
The facility is a leading producer of chlorine, caustic soda, industrial bleaches, hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide, hydrogen, and other related products in North America.
These chemicals are essential ingredients in the production of plastics, pulp and paper products, soaps, and detergents. They are also needed to provide municipal drinking water and treat wastewater.
In October 2024, a hydrogen sulfide leak occurred at the Pemex plant in Deer Park, killing one person. Residents in Deer Park and Pasadena were told to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off their air conditioners.
The Pemex refinery is responsible for producing gasoline, jet fuel, and marine fuel. It produces 312,500 barrels a day.
A month before this incident, a pipeline caught fire in La Porte, Texas, sending a plume of flames several dozen feet into the air.
Energy Transfer said the fire may have been caused by a vehicle hitting a valve on the pipe.
