Workers sue PEMEX over injuries caused by fatal gas leak at Deer Park oil refinery

Deer Park, TX – Workers who say they were injured in last week’s deadly gas leak at the refinery are suing PEMEX.

Sergio Antonio Olvera, Jonathan Martinez and Yoselyn Soto were all working at the oil refinery on the afternoon of October 10 when the toxic and highly flammable gas hydrogen sulfide leaked.

EXPLANATION: What is hydrogen sulfide and why is it so deadly?

The lawsuit states: “Harmful and toxic gases, including hydrogen sulfide, are being released uncontrollably into the atmosphere within and around the refinery.”

The three workers named in the lawsuit were injured.

A total of two people were killed and 13 hospitalized, according to PEMEX. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said 35 workers were treated at the scene.

The gas leak led to a shelter-in-place order in Pasadena and Deer Park, but Deer Park’s emergency alert system malfunctioned and while some people didn’t get the message, many others were confused.

Additionally, PEMEX has not warned the community of potential dangers on the CAER website – an online alert system that members use to obtain information about events at their facilities that may concern residents.

The only message PEMEX released came almost an hour after the gas leak and read:

Posted on – 10/10/2024 5:26:00 pm – First report

This is a message from PEMEX Deer Park. We carry out activities that can lead to the formation of flames. We are taking measures to minimize noise, light and smoke associated with this flaring activity. We are currently not aware of any impacts to the community or our industrial neighbors.

Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia criticized PEMEX the day after the deadly leak, saying the lack of communication was unacceptable and hindering first responders.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board said Friday it was investigating the leak.

The lawsuit alleges that PEMEX committed gross negligence and willful misconduct through “acts and omissions that, taken collectively and individually, constituted negligence.” It is also alleged that PEMEX breached its duty to exercise a standard level of care and prudence in the industry.

The petition filed with the court requests a jury trial and compensatory damages to cover past and future mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, disability, medical costs and several other short-term and possible long-term effects.