BP Texas City Refinery Manager Confirms Fatalities from Explosion
Release date:
23 March 2005
Texas City, Texas -- Don Parus, BP’s Texas City, Texas, refinery manager has confirmed that there have been fatalities from an explosion that occurred this afternoon at about 1:20 p.m. at the company’s isomerization unit at the facility.
"The accident has caused injuries to multiple BP workers, and it is with deep sadness that I must report that there have been fatalities," Mr. Parus said.
Parus said BP was not able to confirm the exact number of injuries or of fatalities at this time, but said the company was cooperating closely with the Texas City medical examiner on site.
"Our primary focus is on the safety and condition of our employees and other workers. We are directing all of our emergency efforts in response to the situation. The fire is out, and we are working with local authorities to bring the situation fully under control and to provide emergency medical care for the injured."
"We have not had time to investigate causes, and we will not speculate." Parus said. "But at this time, terrorism is not a primary focus of our concern."
Emergency response crews have set up three triage locations on the BP property.
The company also has set up environmental monitoring around the refinery.
Efforts are continuing to account for all personnel.
Parus said that there has been some impact on the local community properties but it is being assessed.
"The accident has caused injuries to multiple BP workers, and it is with deep sadness that I must report that there have been fatalities," Mr. Parus said.
Parus said BP was not able to confirm the exact number of injuries or of fatalities at this time, but said the company was cooperating closely with the Texas City medical examiner on site.
"Our primary focus is on the safety and condition of our employees and other workers. We are directing all of our emergency efforts in response to the situation. The fire is out, and we are working with local authorities to bring the situation fully under control and to provide emergency medical care for the injured."
"We have not had time to investigate causes, and we will not speculate." Parus said. "But at this time, terrorism is not a primary focus of our concern."
Emergency response crews have set up three triage locations on the BP property.
The company also has set up environmental monitoring around the refinery.
Efforts are continuing to account for all personnel.
Parus said that there has been some impact on the local community properties but it is being assessed.
"Our primary objectives right now are to treat the injured and to account for all personnel."
"I wish to stress that our deepest sympathy and concern go out to the families of the injured and the deceased. We are already working with local authorities to reach out to these families."
BP announced telephone numbers for families in need of information about relatives who work at Texas City. Concerned family members should call 409-945-1140 or 409-945-1174. Those seeking information about property claims should call 800-590-5571.
"I wish to stress that our deepest sympathy and concern go out to the families of the injured and the deceased. We are already working with local authorities to reach out to these families."
BP announced telephone numbers for families in need of information about relatives who work at Texas City. Concerned family members should call 409-945-1140 or 409-945-1174. Those seeking information about property claims should call 800-590-5571.
