World

Explosion At American Acryl In Seabrook, Texas: Toluene Suspected

by Yuliya Talmazan | December 9, 2009 at 09:03 am

1411 views | 48 Recommendations | 1 comment

A large explosion took place at an American Acryl chemical plant near Seabrook, Harris Country, Texas at 8:50 AM local time. A tank with toxic chemical toluene is suspected to have exploded at the American Acryl plant. No casualties have been reported in the Seabrook explosion at this time, although some reports suggest a few people suffered minor burns. The "shelter-in-place" orders were issued for residents and schools. The fire seems to be under control at this point in time, but the cause of the Seabrook explosion remains unknown. The latest update from the emergency management office of Harris Country states that the Seabrook fire could have been of chemical nature and could have involved chemical toluene, which is intoxicating and can cause severe neurological harm when inhaled. In large doses, it can lead to nausea, kidney damage and even death.

Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion that shook buildings miles away. There were also reports of smoke billowing from the plant that could be seen as far away as Baytown and Mont Belvieu. Some photos of the burning plant were also posted on Twitter.

djnayyzradio: Huge explosion down the sreet,shakes the House http://www.khou.com/news/Huge-explosion-rocks-plant-in-Seabrook-78865017.html

christaelyce: Plant explosion in Seabrook. i heard a big boom and my whole apartment shook!

diveworks: Seabrook explosion seems to be about over, there is a faint smell in the air but could just be paranoia.

Minkpuppy: Holy Crap! The American Acryl plant in Seabrook just had an explosion. Lou heard it at our house in Kemah.

terrymatula: wife said Seabrook explosion shook our house. "Real" news was getting info from twit'r... same as me. Looks under control now.

The exact location of the plant is reported to be 12000 block of Port Road near state Highway 146.

The list of schools on "shelter-to-place" order includes Stewart Elementary, Sandra Mossman Elementary, Bay Elementary, Robinson Elementary, Ed White Elementary, Ferguson Elementary, Hyde Elementary, Goforth Elementary, Seabrook Intermediate, Clear Creek Intermediate, Victory Lakes Intermediate and Clear Creek High School.