09-13-2002, 12:41 PM
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| Senior Member   | Blast Rocks Chemical Plant Near Houston Blast Rocks Chemical Plant Near Houston Explosion Shakes Homes; Thick Smoke Rises From Facility Posted: 11:25 a.m. EDT September 13, 2002 Updated: 12:47 p.m. EDT September 13, 2002 FREEPORT, Texas -- An explosion rocked a chemical plant Friday in Brazoria County, Texas, according to broadcast reports. The explosion happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. CDT at BASF Corp., in Freeport, Texas, KPRC-TV in Houston reported. "An ammonia tanker has exploded," Brazoria County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Mindy Valusek told KPRC. A thick plume of black smoke rose from several tankers at the plant. The fire is contained to the plant, but they are asking people working and living in the area to take some precautions. "We have four minor injuries reported. No fatalities. (The injuries) are in the nature of cuts and scrapes," BASF spokeswoman Sharon Rogers said. "All of our personnel are accounted for." Ammonia is a colorless, pungent gas, extensively used to manufacture fertilizers and a wide variety of nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic chemicals. Ammonia can cause a burning sensation and cough if inhaled, and can cause skin to burn and blister. Witnesses told KPRC that the explosion shook their homes and that they could see a large plume of black smoke coming from the plant. Freeport is about 50 miles south of Houston and has one of the world's largest chemical complexes. Copyright 2002 by local6.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistri |
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