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HOUSTON – A worker was killed in South Houston after a storage tank at the Martin Asphalt Company ruptured, releasing about 50,000 gallons of liquid asphalt that formed a thick black river across the facility and surrounding grounds. Emergency crews were dispatched to the 300 block of Christy Place late yesterday, but authorities confirmed the full extent of the incident on the morning of April 30, 2026, after hazardous materials teams completed a prolonged recovery operation. The employee, initially reported missing following the tank failure, was found buried under roughly three feet of the dense, cooling asphalt, which hardened as it set and made access to the victim extremely difficult. The Houston Fire Department’s hazardous materials team, working with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, labored through the night to stabilize the site, prevent the asphalt from entering nearby drainage systems and keep the spill contained to the immediate area. Officials said the recovery of the victim’s body required hours of specialized work because of the physical properties of the material. The cause of the tank rupture remains under investigation by local authorities and federal safety inspectors. Martin Asphalt issued a statement expressing regret over the death and said access to the site is restricted as crews begin excavating the solidified spill and environmental specialists monitor for toxic fumes, runoff and other impacts from the 50,000-gallon discharge.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.