CROSBY – Shortly after 11:00 a.m. Tuesday many thought their buildings had been struck by a car because they were jarred violently, but it was the third of local plant fires in a couple of weeks, this time at KMCO, L.L.C. and this time it was deadly.
Two employees were taken by ambulance to nearby Crosby Church for Lifeflight helicopters to pick them up. At least, another man was killed in the incident although at first was reported missing. By press time the names of the injured or deceased had not been released.
A firefighter indicated that the two injured employees were in critical condition when found, having been burned over most of their bodies.
No one would call the fire out before 5:00 p.m. although apparently considerably under more control by 2:30 p.m. Crosby VFD was first on the scene, followed by ESD#5, then Sheldon units. Crosby VFD encountered low water pressure (that same problem as had extended the fire in Deer Park on March 17 and 18.) No less than 16 fire tanker trucks of water from surrounding communities were brought in to contain the flames.
According to John Foley, President and Chief Executive Officer of KMCO L.L.C., “There was an incident resulting in an ignition and fire today April 2, 2019 at KMCO, LLC in Crosby, Texas. We are deeply saddened to confirm at this time that there have been injuries and one fatality. Those injured have been transported for medical treatment. Our hearts and prayers go out to the individuals involved, as well as our first responders, employees, and our community.
“We have activated the company’s emergency response team and incident command center. We are working with local first responders to extinguish the fire. We will give another update as additional information becomes available.
“We apologize for any inconvenience to residents in the vicinity. The well-being of our people, neighbors and the environment remain our top priorities.”
Later company officials reported that a fire was touched off by isobutylene then accelerated by ethanol and ethyl acrylate, a transfer line blazed, it caught a tank afire and the tank started a nearby building blazing that was packed with dry chemicals.
