A hydrogen sulfide gas leak at the Pemex refinery in Deer Park, Texas, killed two people and injured five workers on Monday evening, local authorities and the company confirmed. The leak began at about 4:40 p.m. local time in the refinery’s coker and hydrotreating units, prompting Pemex to halt operations in those areas. The incident was initially reported as a fire around 6:18 p.m. Deer Park and neighboring Pasadena issued a shelter-in-place order, advising residents to remain indoors and shut ventilation systems. Highway 225 was closed, though officials said no offsite community impact had been detected and an investigation is underway.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News