ExxonMobil factory explosion

Source: China Chemical Industry News August 5, 2019

An ExxonMobil factory in Baytown, Texas, USA, exploded and caught fire. So far, 37 people have been injured and 66 people have been taken to hospital. The surrounding schools were affected, and nearby residents also received an official evacuation statement. The fire was under control around 5.35pm.

It is reported that after the explosion, the Texas Environmental Quality Commission sent personnel to the scene. ExxonMobil officials said they did not find any adverse environmental impacts and issued the following written statement about the fire: \"After the fire in the Baytown Olefins factory, the fire brigade is working hard to extinguish the fire. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of personnel , Including our employees, contractors and residents of the surrounding community. Our industrial hygiene workers are conducting air quality monitoring on site and in the fence line. We deeply regret any interference or inconvenience this incident may cause to the community.\" At present, the specific cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and the official will update the data at any time.

ExxonMobil's official website says the complex is located approximately east of HoustonAt 25 miles, it consists of 4 production sites, one of which is located near Mont Belvieu and also has a global technology center. The Baytown area has about 7,000 employees.

It is reported that,The Baytown Olefins plant began operations in 1979 and is one of the largest ethylene plants in the world. The company said that the Baytown Olefins plant completed a multi-billion dollar ethane cracker in 2018. The cracker can produce 1.5 million tons per year starting in 2017, and provides ethylene raw materials for two new high-performance polyethylene production lines of the Mont Belvieu plastics plant.