When we last reported on the Lake Charles chemical plant explosion a few days ago, five workers had been reported hospitalized as a result of the blast. We subsequently learned that six people were taken to area hospitals as a result of the explosion at a plant that produces ethylene. The Westlake Chemical Petro Complex is one of a number of facilities owned by Houston-based Westlake Chemical.
No Deaths Reported
Why six workers were injured in the Lake Charles chemical plant explosion, no one was killed. Two of the six injured workers appear to remain hospitalized as of week’s end. Little information has been made available to the media or the public about the injured workers. Their names continue to be withheld.
Smoke Plume and the Surrounding Community
As nearly always happens when a chemical plant explosion accident occurs, a fairly massive black smoke plume rose above the facility and into surrounding areas. Environmental agencies have been monitoring air quality since the explosion. No evacuations were ordered in any of the areas that immediately could have been impacted by the expulsion of toxic substances from the plant,
As of the Friday following the explosion, no specific information has been released to the public about what the smoke plume contained. A question does arise regarding the long-term possible effects from a smoke plume such as the one that arose as a result of the Lake Charles Chemical plant explosion.
If the smoke was particularly hazardous, people in the pathway of the smoke plume could experience negative health consequences at a later juncture in time. According to local officials as well as management associated with the chemical plant, air monitoring has been ongoing to monitor the level of any potentially harmful airborne contaminants. Again, as of the end of the week, all involved that the public at large has not been at risk as a result of the Lake Charles chemical plant explosion accident.
Injured Workers Were Not Employees of Westlake Chemical
The chemical plant was no in full operation at the time of the explosion. It was shutdown for routine maintenance. The six injured workers were not employees of Westlake Chemical. Rather, they were employed by one of three different contracting companies involved in the plant maintenance endeavor at the time of the blast. The names of the injured personnel has not been released to the public nor to the media.
Cause of the Lake Charles Chemical Plant Explosion
The investigation into the cause of the Lake Charles chemical plant explosion is ongoing. As of a few days into the investigation, no determination had been made regarding the cause of the explosion. There is no indication as of yet when a determination may be forthcoming about the cause of the Westlake chemical plant explosion.
The explosion does not appear to have caused a fire. The lack of any fire, or at least any significant one, went far to containing the spread of the problems associated with the initial explosion. The lack of fire also protected against more widespread damage to the chemical plant facility itself. (There are instances in which an explosion occurs that is not followed by a fire,” according to officials at the scene of the gas explosion accident.
Protect Your Legal Rights
If you were injured in the Lake Charles chemical plant explosion accident, or in a similar type of incident elsewhere in the country, the experienced legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. A nationwide law firm, you can reach our explosion accident lawyer hotline any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000.
We can schedule an initial consultation with a Lake Charles chemical plant explosion lawyer at a location and time that is convenient for you. We can also arrange a digital consultation online as well. Our firm never charges a fee for an initial consultation with a Lake Charles chemical plant explosion attorney.
The Doan Law Firm has an attorney fee guarantee. Our firm will never charge an attorney fee in your case unless we win for you. Our dedicated legal team is committed to fighting tireless for you in the pursuit of justice and the compensation you deserve.