Chlorine Gas Leak Prompts Shelter-in-Place Orders for Thousands in Texas
A chlorine gas leak at the Olin Plant B in Freeport, Texas, caused a major emergency response on Tuesday morning, prompting thousands of residents to shelter indoors.
The Incident
The leak occurred around 9:00 a.m. local time when chlorine gas escaped from industrial equipment at the facility. Loud sirens immediately sounded throughout the area as yellow gas clouds billowed from the plant. The incident was classified as a Level 3 release by the Lake Jackson Police Department, signaling that the gas had moved beyond the plant’s boundaries.
Four workers were injured in the leak, and one remains hospitalized. According to union officials, the hospitalized worker is alert and expected to recover. He has worked at the facility since 1990.
Emergency Response
Local authorities swiftly issued shelter-in-place orders for Freeport and nearby communities, including Clute and Lake Jackson. The directive also applied to local schools. The leak was contained by 9:46 a.m., but safety orders remained in effect as a precaution.
Freeport’s Emergency Management Office stated that while the situation is under control, they are closely monitoring air quality.
Chlorine gas poses serious health risks. Even at low concentrations, it can irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory system. High exposure can result in lung damage, including pulmonary edema, and may be fatal. Residents near the plant reported symptoms consistent with chlorine exposure.
Background on Olin Plant B
The Olin Plant B is part of the Dow Texas Operations complex, one of the largest chemical production sites in the region. The plant manufactures chlorine, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, industrial bleach, and other key chemicals used in plastics, paper, cleaning products, and water treatment.
Photo credit: Norman Mejias. All rights reserved.