Fire & Explosions Occur at Dow Chemical in Iberville Parish

A severe incident unfolded at the Dow Chemical facility in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, as a massive fire engulfed the facility and multiple explosions rocked the area. The incident, which occurred late Friday night, prompted a swift emergency response and raised concerns about the safety of the surrounding community.

The Dow Chemical complex, located near Plaquemine, is a major petrochemical facility along the Mississippi River. It plays a crucial role in Louisiana's industrial landscape, employing thousands of workers and housing various production units.

The fire originated in Dow's Gylcol 2 Unit, a section responsible for producing and handling ethylene oxide—a highly flammable and explosive chemical. As the flames grew in intensity, the situation became more perilous. Emergency responders, including local fire departments and law enforcement agencies, rushed to the scene to contain the fire and ensure the safety of nearby residents.

The severity of the incident prompted a shelter-in-place order for approximately 350 households near the plant. Residents were instructed to stay indoors, turn off air conditioning and ceiling fans, and await further instructions. The closure of La. 1, a major roadway, added to the disruption.

The cause of the fire and explosions is under investigation, and the focus remains on fully extinguishing the fire while addressing any environmental concerns. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) deployed its own crews to conduct air monitoring and evaluate the situation. The safety and well-being of the community are of utmost importance, and every effort is being made to safeguard the residents and environment.

This unfortunate incident at the Dow Chemical plant serves as a stark reminder of the hazards associated with industrial operations and the critical need for rigorous safety measures. Companies must prioritize employee well-being, conduct thorough investigations, and implement preventive measures to avoid such accidents.

Our Louisiana plant accident attorneys' thoughts go out to the affected employees and families. The investigation will shed light on the circumstances that led to this incident, and necessary actions will be taken to prevent similar occurrences.