BP Refinery Blast: Other plant units ‘operating normally’

24 March 2005 15:43  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (CNI)--BP officials said Thursday other units at its 470,000 bbl/day Texas City, Texas oil refinery are “operating normally” following a fire and explosion at the company’s isomerisation unit Wednesday that killed 14 and injured more than 70.

 

One person remains unaccounted for, BP spokesman Scott Dean told CNI. All 14 fatalities are believed to be contractors' staff. BP is working closely with its contractors whose employees were involved in the incident in order to account for them, he added.

 

Dean said air monitoring outside the site began after the incident and a BP investigation team is due at the site today.

 

Said Ross Pillari, President of BP America, who arrived in Texas City Thursday morning: “Throughout the day and the weeks to come we will continue to cooperate with all local, state and federal authorities. We will also commit our full corporate resources to investigating the cause of the accident.”

 

Employees and contractors who normally would report to work Thursday were asked to report to work Monday instead unless they are essential personnel, he continued.

 

Dean said the explosion occurred at 13:20 local time (19:20 GMT) Wednesday in the unit, which makes components for gasoline, during annual maintenance work. The fire was extinguished after about two hours.

By: Mike Sheridan
+1 713 525 2653

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