Corpus Christi explosion in the refinery district
Wyatt Law Firm, PLLC., a Texas based law firm, extends our sincerest condolences to the victims and the families of the victims of the refinery explosion in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The fire occurred shortly after 8:00 AM near Nueces Bay, according to the Associated Press, in an area referred to as "refinery row," due to its proximity to several refining facilities, according to a spokeswoman for the Corpus Christi Fire Department.
Corpus Christi Fire Department Deputy Chief Billy Breedlove said a barge hit a pipeline which resulted in an explosion, according to Caller Times. The new underwater pipeline ruptured at the barge loading dock, and the owner of the barge said multiple employees were working at the site at the time of the explosion. The fire engulfed the barge and then spread from the pipeline to a grain elevator, according to the report. Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha said that four people were taken to a hospital by the Corpus Christi Fire Department, and two more people were transported to a hospital by Coast Guard. The Coast Guard said six people are missing, according to KRIS TV.
Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement after hearing reports of the pipeline explosion:
The State of Texas is working closely with local partners in Corpus Christi as well as the Coast Guard to assist with emergency response efforts following the explosion. Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel are already on the ground to provide support, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air quality in the area. The state stands ready to provide any additional personnel and resources needed to address this event and keep Texans in the area safe. We will continue to monitor the situation, and I ask all Texans to pray for the men and women responding to the explosion and for the safety of those in the area.
The Texas personal injury lawyers at the Wyatt Law Firm, PLLC with a strong reach in Corpus Christi, Texas are here to help and can be reached at 210-340-5550, or 210-340-5502.