Arkema Inc., chemical plant near Houston, Texas, will most likely explode any moment now. Latest reports say black smoke was already seen coming out of the plant and there were explosions that were heard early morning of Thursday. People are warned to stay away from the chemical facility in Crosby.
Latest update from local authorities
Arkema Inc. assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities about developments at their plant at Crosby, Texas. According to a report by ABC News, the chemical plant released a statement confirming Harris County Emergency Operations had advised them of the explosions on Thursday at around 2 a.m.
CDT. Black smoke rising from the factory was also reported along with the explosions.
Arkema warned the possibility of explosion
Prior to the explosions, Rich Rowe, Arkema president, and CEO had already given a warning to the public regarding the possibility of an explosion on Wednesday. He detailed that the chemical plant is already covered with six feet of floodwater in a press release.
The flooding resulted in the loss of the primary power and the two sources of the company’s emergency backup power as well. This meant that the refrigerators at the plant are no longer working.
The Crosby facility produces organic peroxides that are used for construction and "pharmaceutical materials" such as foam cups, plastic pipes, and hoses.
When these chemicals are not stored in a cold container, it can most likely trigger an explosion. The official statement released by the company detailed that these organic peroxides have the potential to burn if not handled and stored under the right conditions.
Arkema Inc. had earlier warned the public that the loss of critical refrigeration of the materials in the plant could result in a dangerous explosion and subsequent intense fires as well.
The CEO further admitted that they no longer have a way to stop the explosion.
Please run away as far as you can from the plant!
The Statement on Arkema America said, "Please do not return to the area within the evacuation zone until local emergency response authorities announce it is safe to do so." The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office has also advised the public to immediately vacate and settle in a safer place away from the plant.
Residents living within a 1.5-mile radius of the Arkema facility, which is estimated to be around 27 miles east of Houston, are the top priority to leave.
Furthermore, Rowe mentioned that they have already secured the safety of their own personnel. The company coordinated with the local authorities to take charge of the evacuation.
R-Texas representative Ted Poe told the publication, “The worst-case scenario is that this chemical plant could explode.” He even described the situation to be “very dangerous.”
Meanwhile, the company and local authorities could not specify the amount of danger the explosion may pose to the people, land and the environment. The general public is advised to ensure their safety first by staying away from the Arkema Inc. facility in Crosby, Texas.
