A sulfuric acid leak at a southeast Texas industrial facility has resulted in two hospitalizations and over 40 individuals requiring treatment, as reported by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. on Saturday at the BWC Terminals location near Channelview. According to deputies, a catwalk structure collapsed, damaging a 6-inch sulfuric acid supply line at the plant.
Emergency crews from the Channelview Fire District spearheaded the hazardous materials response, deploying to the site on the 16300 block of Jacintoport Boulevard.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that two people experiencing respiratory issues were transported to the hospital. Meanwhile, individuals aboard two ships docked at the San Jacinto Port underwent evaluations on-site.
Footage obtained by ABC Houston affiliate KTRK showed the compromised scaffolding believed to have caused the leak.
Later that morning, Judge Lina Hidalgo provided an update, noting that environmental monitoring efforts were in progress. Approximately 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid stored in a tank were released, with some of the acid seeping into the Houston Ship Channel.
BWC Terminals later clarified in a statement that the affected tank was carrying 1 million gallons, but most of it was released into the facility’s designated containment area. The company added that an unknown amount of product entered the water of the Houston Ship Channel and that there were no reported impacts on marine life.
Hidalgo also said that the two people sent to the hospital had already been released, and that 44 others were treated at the scene.
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said it was also on the scene and monitoring air quality after several reports of people feeling sick and having trouble breathing.
The sheriff’s office said there was no danger to the public because the leak was limited to the industrial area, so a shelter-in-place order was not needed.
Deputies said the Houston Ship Channel remained open, but some nearby roads were closed to let emergency vehicles get through.
Investigators said chemical spills like this are rare, but the companies involved have “some of the best” hazmat teams to handle such situations.
Deputies told KTRK the leak was stopped a little after 6 a.m.
Judge Lina Hidalgo said an investigation into the leak is underway.
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