As many as four people may have been injured during an overnight explosion at Exxon Mobil’s Baytown facility, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
The sheriff tweeted that deputies were on the scene of a major industrial accident at 3525 Decker Drive in Baytown. “Some injuries have been reported. Please avoid the area,” he tweeted.
He said three people had been transported by LifeFlight and one by ambulance to hospitals.
For now, no reports to evacuate or shelter-in-place. Four persons may be injured; three taken by Lifeflight and one by ambulance.
For now, no reports to evacuate or shelter-in-place. Four persons may be injured; three taken by Lifeflight and one by ambulance. #HouNews https://t.co/4xE2OIRxpy
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) December 23, 2021
ExxonMobil Baytown confirmed there was an explosion at the facility around 1 a.m.
“At this time, emergency vehicles and smoke may be noticeable to the community,” the company said in a statement. “We are coordinating with local officials, and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”
Around 1 a.m. on 12/23/2021, a fire occurred at our facility. At this time, emergency vehicles and smoke may be noticeable to the community. We are coordinating with local officials, and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
— ExxonMobil Baytown Area (@ExxonMobilBTA) December 23, 2021
OnScene TV reported, citing emergency radio traffic, reported that three males between the ages of 35 to 45 were flown to the hospital with second- and third- degree burns. One had a broken femur.
This article first appeared on the Houston Chronicle – an Energy Voice content partner. For more from the Houston Chronicle click here.