Crosby KMCO Chemical Plant Explosion Lawyers

Texas Chemical Plant Explodes, Leaving 1 Dead & At Least 2 Injured

On Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at around 10:45 a.m., a KMCO chemical plant exploded in Crosby, Texas, roughly 25 miles northeast of Houston. According to the early reports, the explosion and subsequent fire occurred when a transfer line ignited a tank holding flammable chemicals. A nearby roadway was shut down in the aftermath and residents within a one-mile radius were told to shelter in place. It took more than five hours to fully contain the fire. Authorities confirmed that one individual was killed and two were severely injured in the blast. Residents near the plant reported feeling their homes shake because of the power of the explosion.

KMCO: A History of Violations in Houston

This was the second significant chemical plant explosion in the Houston area within less than three weeks. What's more, KMCO, LLC has a recent history of environmental violations and safety issues. In 2011, an explosion at the plant injured two employees. Then, in 2016, The Houston Chronicle investigated KMCO. This investigation revealed that Harris County sued KMCO in 2008 for releasing toxins into the air that caused headaches and other symptoms for nearby residents. To settle the case, KMCO paid $100,000 in civil penalties. In addition to this civil penalty, the lawsuit required KMCO to remain accessible to investigators because of repeated violations.

KMCO bought the plant in 2012, so it claimed that it was not responsible for these violations. Yet, KMCO was criminally convicted of knowingly violating the Clean Air Act in 2016. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency ordered the company to pay $3.5 million in criminal fines. In 2016, residents near the plant complained to Harris County officials about black sludge collecting in the creek. Records reveal that the investigator of this substance developed an orange-sized knot at the base of her neck and suffered from headaches. Harris County sued KMCO in 2017 in response to this series of events.

Plant Explosion Attorneys

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Plant Explosions & Their Dangers

Plant explosions are dangerous and place the lives of workers at risk every day. In fact, the United States has the highest number of deaths caused by plant explosions. Studies have revealed that plant explosions reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees, so the threat of severe burn injuries is a constant threat to workers. Because of this inherent risk, companies must take every step to protect their employees.

Injuries caused by plant explosions include the following:

In addition to placing workers at risk, chemical plant explosions place nearby residents at risk of toxic exposure. According the to the TCEQ, the KMCO plant fire released about 2,300 pounds of pollutants into the air. Substances such as isobutylene, toluene, and other dangerous chemicals burned during the fire.

These chemicals are known to cause the following if inhaled:

  • Birth defects
  • Headaches
  • Cancer
  • Seizures
  • Ventricular arrhythmias
  • Chemical pneumonitis
  • Coma
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Unconsciousness

The Nation’s Leaders in Chemical Plant Accident Cases. Billions of Dollars Won.

At Arnold & Itkin, we have earned a reputation for helping the victims of some of the nation’s most catastrophic incidents. From winning millions on behalf of those impacted by the 2013 Williams Olefins plant explosion to helping the crew injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion, we have been there to help victims and their families rebuild and recover. We know what it takes to stand up against massive corporations that have put an emphasis on profit over safety time and time again. We have the experience, the skill, the know-how, and the drive to fight for our clients.

When accidents such as the one that rocked Crosby, TX in April 2019 harm workers, our chemical plant explosion lawyers are ready to fight for the recovery they need, no matter how tough the fight. Call (888) 493-1629.

Common Questions

  • What Are Some of the Health Problems Caused by the Crosby, TX KMCO Plant Explosion?

    The chemicals released by the explosion at the KMCO plant in Crosby can be linked to birth defects, cancer, seizures, unconsciousness, coma, and other serious medical conditions if inhaled. This explosion and resulting fire released over 2,000 pounds of dangerous chemicals into the air. In addition to the workers at the plant, people who live and work in the Crosby area may have been exposed to these pollutants.

  • Can KMCO Be Held Liable for the Injuries I Suffered from the Explosion?

    KMCO has a history of environmental and safety violations that extends back to 2011. If KMCO failed to comply with safety standards or was negligent in any way in regard to the maintenance, repairs, and inspection of the plant, they should be held accountable.

  • Do I Need an Attorney If I Was Injured in the KMCO Plant Explosion?

    We highly recommend talking to a lawyer if you or someone you love suffered any type of harm in or as a result of the KMCO chemical plant explosion. You could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses—whether you were working at the plant or live nearby. Plant explosions can cause widespread harm, and every person who has been affected should come forward to make sure the at-fault party or parties answer for what they’ve done.
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