KMCO Plant Explosion & Common Explosion Injuries

Plant explosions have the potential to cause devastating injuries to workers and those living or working in the local community. Injuries suffered in a plant explosion are often related to extreme heat, and explosions can create temperatures approaching or even exceeding thousands of degrees. These temperatures are so high that they can essentially vaporize anything around them. Sadly for humans close to the explosion, death can occur. 

KMCO Plant Explosion in Crosby

In April 2019, there was a devastating plant explosion at the KMCO facility in Crosby, Texas, some 25 miles east of Houston. People living up to 20 miles away were able to hear the blast, with some reporting shaking homes, and one woman a mile from the plant reportedly being thrown to the ground.

Fire crews from multiple emergency units in Harris County responded to the ensuing fire, which sent large plumes of smoke into the air around Crosby. One KMCO employee claimed that workers at the site were warned of a leak and ordered to evacuate mere moments before the explosion. It was confirmed one worker, identified as James Earl “Bubba” Mangum, 27, died at the scene. Two other workers were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. 

Common Plant Explosion Injuries

Let’s examine some of the most common injuries caused by a plant explosion: 

• Burns. The heat generated by a plant explosion is tremendous, often spiking into thousands of degrees. Exposure to this intense heat can cause severe burns. The chemicals released in an explosion can also inflict severe chemical burns. Burns are some of the most painful injuries and can result in long-term scarring and disfigurement. 
• Lacerations. Plant explosion victims can experience deep lacerations due to falling debris or the force of the explosion. A shallow gash or a deep wound can be painful and require stitching. Serious lacerations can leave permanent scarring. 
• Orthopedic injuries. Orthopedic injuries include injury to the bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments within the body. This can include broken limbs, damaged vertebrae, skull fractures, sprains, and strains. 
• Acoustic trauma. Even the noise of an explosion can be dangerous. Noise-induced hearing loss is a major injury suffered by those near the site of the explosion. 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder. Some injuries are mental and emotional. PTSD is a serious anxiety-related disorder that can leave victims of plant explosions in a perpetual state of fear. 

Houston Plant Explosions

The oil and gas industry is one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Texas had the most fatal extraction accidents in the country in 2008, with 41 reported fatalities. Plant explosions are complicated events that often require in-depth investigations. It’s crucial to establish liability for a plant explosion in order to determine who is responsible for covering the damages suffered by victims and their families. 

Victims often suffer from intense burns and require costly medical rehabilitation and may require a Houston oil and gas injury attorney to recover lost compensation. Kevin J. Connolly previously worked for the oil and gas industry, but now Connolly Law fights for those who have been impacted by the unfair practices of these large companies. Contact our law offices today at (832) 767-3568 to discuss your case.