What happened at BP Texas City?

What happened at BP Texas City?

At approximately 1:20 p.m. on March 23, 2005, a series of explosions occurred at the BP Texas City refinery during the restarting of a hydrocarbon isomerization unit. Fifteen workers were killed and 180 others were injured. Many of the victims were in or around work trailers located near an atmospheric vent stack.

What was the immediate cause of the Texas City explosion?

The explosion was caused by the overfilling of the raffinate splitter tower and a blowdown drum releasing hot hydrocarbons. The resulting vapour cloud ignited, destroying the ISOM unit.

What happened in Texas City explosion?

Texas City explosion of 1947, industrial disaster sparked by the fire and explosion of the SS Grandcamp on April 16–17, 1947, in Texas City, Texas. The blast set off a chain of fires as well as a 15-foot (4.5-metre) tidal wave. Between 400 and 600 people were killed, with as many as 4,000 injured.

What control system failures caused the BP refinery explosion?

According to BP, the report confirms that the failure of BP personnel to follow established policies and procedures which led to the overfilling of the raffinate splitter tower in the refinery’s isomerization unit was one of the critical factors that led to the March 23 explosion and “greatly increased its consequences …

What happens if an oil refinery explodes?

Common Injuries from Refinery Explosions Severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, shockwave injuries, being crushed by flying debris, nerve damage, and death are all possible. A refinery explosion can leave a worker permanently disfigured and paralyzed.

When was BP Texas City built?

1934
The enormous BP Amoco Oil Refinery in Texas City was built in 1934 by a company called Pan-American Refinery, which was at the time a subsidiary of Standard Oil of Indiana.

What was the worst industrial accident in America?

April 16, 1947: Texas City disaster, Texas. At 9:15 am an explosion occurred aboard a docked ship named the Grandcamp. The explosion, and subsequent fires and explosions, is referred to as the worst industrial disaster in America.

What is the deadliest industrial disaster in US history?

1947 Texas City Disaster
1947 Texas City Disaster: The Deadliest Industrial Accident in US History. On the morning of April 16, 1947, a fire broke out in the hold of a cargo ship docked at the Port of Texas City.

How much did the Texas City refinery explosion cost?

It cost nearly $450 million, including $2 million in fines and restitution, and led to a $447 million in increase in gas prices. The March 23, 2005, explosion at the BP Texas City Refinery in Texas City, Texas killed 15 workers and injured 180 more. Financial losses in the incident totaled $1.5 billion.

When did PES explode?

June 21, 2019
PES was the East Coast’s largest refinery until the June 21, 2019 accident damaged the plant and tipped public sentiment against its continued operation.