INEOS U.S. phenol plant catches fire and explosion after reversing accident

On March 23, an explosion occurred at the phenol chemical plant of INEOS in Pasadena, Texas, USA, and a mushroom cloud appeared.

According to reports, a truck reversed and crashed into the factory's loading dock before catching fire and exploding. Local officials said that the fire has been extinguished. So far the explosion has no known impact on the entire community. The hazmat team will continue to monitor the air in the area. Pasadena residents do not need to take any protective measures.

At a news conference two hours after the accident, an official spokesman said the explosion occurred during the transfer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which workers were transferring from one tanker truck to another. Liquefied petroleum gas, a mixture of propylene and propane, is a raw material used to produce metallocenes, an intermediate chemical used in the production of phenol, a refined product used in the production of everyday consumer goods and construction materials.

Ineos officials said that during the unloading of the LPG, the gas ignited a spark, causing the explosion. Fire crews were immediately contacted by its team and the facility was assisted, with the fire officially extinguished at 1pm. The driver of the third-party bulk truck was injured and taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in a stable condition.

There are currently no known impacts or shelters to the community, but health care officials will investigate and monitor air quality in the area to ensure safety, according to authorities.

INEOS is one of the world's leading petrochemical companies, headquartered in Switzerland, dedicated to the production and sales of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and petroleum products, with a global business network.