1 Dead in Blast, Fire at Louisiana Chemical Plant
One person was killed as the result of an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Geismar, La. on June 13
The Times-Picayune reported that 77 people were taken to the hospital with injuries.
Louisiana State Police identified the deceased as 29 year old Zachary C. Green of Hammond, La. The Williams Companies Inc., which owns the plant, said on its website that Green was an operator at the plant.
Williams also said it is monitoring the condition of one employee and seven contractors who remain hospitalized and are being treated for injuries.
LSP Capt. Doug Cain said the fire broke out at around 8:30 a.m. on June 13 at The Williams Companies Inc. plant. The plant makes ethylene and propylene – highly flammable gases that are basic building blocks in the petrochemical industry.
The town is southeast of Baton Rouge. Residents in the surrounding area have been asked by state police to stay indoors and close all windows and doors.
The company’s website says the plant puts out about 1.3 billion pounds (0.6 billion kilograms) of ethylene and 90 million pounds (40 million kilograms) of polymer grade propylene a year.
The cause of the explosion and extent of the damage are unknown, the company said.