HOUSTON – An alleged explosion at a petrochemical facility in Galveston County more than a month ago has resulted in a lawsuit, per recent Harris County District Court records.
Anthony G. Buzbee of The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston filed the suit against Valero Refining-Texas, L.P. and Richard Industrial Group, Inc. on May 31 in the Harris County 295th District Court on behalf of nearly 30 workers who claim they sustained injuries in the Apr. 19 blast.
The subcontractors were reportedly working on or near the 12,000-bpd alkylation unit inside Valero’s refinery with Richard working in or around the same unit.
“As the plaintiff conducted their work, a critical failure occurred in the refinery system, which caused an explosion and set off a huge fire within the refinery,” the original petition says. “Based on present information and belief, a line located inside the alkylation unit was too thin and/or became deteriorated. This line carried hydrocarbon gasses and liquids, which are part of a process that converts by-products into high-octane components that are blended into gasoline. The weakened material constituting the line failed, allowing significant pressure to release rapidly.”
A loud whistle followed immediately by the explosion was the only warning the plaintiffs received, the suit says.
Valero subsequently declared the event a Level 3 emergency.
Court documents further recall some of the complainants fleeing the unit “in terror.” Several “tripped over equipment, tools, or structures while trying to escape” while a bus carrying others shook “causing many to fall from their seats or strike the sides of the bus.”
“After this incident, the plaintiffs sought medical treatment for orthopedic injuries and hearing loss,” the suit says. “Most suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The plaintiffs continue to treat and have a long road to recovery.”
The complaint asserts “the defendants knew the piping system was insufficient to contain the hydrocarbons and other chemicals being used at the plant, and also knew the corners were being cut and inspections and repairs were not being done as required, but failed to take measures to remedy the situation.”
Consequently, the plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
Harris County 295th District Court Case No. 2018-36172