At Least 14 Dead in Texas Refinery Blast

[Bronco_Beerslug]

WOW! And over a hundred injured! Something big must have blown up there!

-----------------------------------
At Least 14 Dead in Texas Refinery Blast
By PAM EASTON, Associated Press Writer

TEXAS CITY, Texas - An explosion rocked a BP oil refinery Wednesday, killing at least 14 people, injuring more than 100, and sending flames and black smoke billowing into the sky, authorities said.


"It's my deep regret that we believe we have 14 losses of life," site director Don Parus said.

Workers were searching through rubble for survivors or bodies. The cause of the blast was not immediately known. Most of the injured suffered broken bones, cuts, concussions and other injuries.

The blast left a gapping hole in the earth, mangled nearby offices, and covered cars and trucks in an employee parking lot with ash and chunks of charred metal. Witnesses said the blast was felt as far away as five miles.

Plant worker Charles Gregory said he and several co-workers were inside a trailer getting ready to clean a tank when the floor started rumbling around 1:30 p.m.

"It was real scary," he said. "Have you ever heard the thunder real loud? It was like 10 times that."
http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/merchant/

[Rock Chalk]

7 miles from my house.

[Spider]

7 miles from my house.
I remember when the Denver Refienery blew , back in the 70's , Powerfull blast it was

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I remember when the Denver Refienery blew , back in the 70's , Powerfull blast it was
Conoco, Oct '78. We had Boilermakers on the job when it blew. 3 plant workers were killed and about 15 injured.

The Texas city explosion is going to send gasoline higher. It's responsible for 3% of our gasoline production.

------------------------------------------------------------
By PAM EASTON, Associated Press Writer

TEXAS CITY, Texas - All but one of the 1,800 or so oil refinery workers have been accounted for after overnight search efforts following the thunderous blast killed 14 and injured more than 100 others, officials said Thursday.

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20050324/lthumb.sge.avh83.240305142942.photo00.photo.defaul t-206x384.jpg

"We think we found all the people," refinery manager Don Parus said.

The fiery blast Wednesday at BP's 1,200-acre plant near Houston shot flames high into the sky, forced schoolchildren to cower under their desks and showered plant grounds with ash and chunks of charred metal. Windows rattled more than five miles away.

Parus on Thursday confirmed the death toll at 14 but said further details would come from the medical examiner's office.

Those who died were contractors for J.E. Merit Constructors Inc., a field services provider and subsidiary of Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. in Pasadena, Calif., Parus said. Merit's Houston office referred calls to Jacobs, whose phone lines were busy or not answered early Thursday.

BP refinery records indicate the one unaccounted-for worker checked out and left the refinery, but no one has heard from him, Parus said.

About 433,000 barrels of crude oil are processed a day at the plant, producing 3 percent of the U.S. supply. Other than the unit affected by the blast, the rest of the refinery was running normally, said Hugh Depland, spokesman for BP, formerly British Petroleum.

Gasoline prices could rise slightly because the plant is such a large gas producer. Gasoline futures rose nearly 2 cents in late trading Wednesday on news of the explosion. In afternoon trading Thursday in Europe, the price of unleaded gasoline for April delivery was up 2.8 cents.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately known. It happened in a part of the plant used to boost the octane level of gasoline. A thorough investigation is under way, BP America president Ross Pillari said Thursday.

"It's clear that we have a lot of work to do in the coming days to make sure we understand exactly what happened, and we're going to do that," Pillari said. "We are going to put all of our resources into it." Federal investigators also planned to review the accident.

Wenceslado de la Cerda, a 50-year-old retired firefighter, said the blast shook the ground, rattled windows and knocked ceiling panels to the floor.

"Basically, it was one big boom," he said. "It's a shame that people have to get killed and hurt trying to make a dollar in these plants, but that's part of reality."

Valerie Perez was among those standing vigil outside the refinery fence late Wednesday, concerned about the fate of her 18-year-old husband, a BP worker.

"I'm nervous," she said, holding back tears.

The plant and town, population 40,000, have dealt with two other refinery accidents within the last year.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (news - web sites) fined the refinery nearly $110,000 after two employees were burned to death by superheated water in September.

Another explosion forced the evacuation of the plant for several hours last March. Afterward, OSHA fined the refinery $63,000 for 14 safety violations, including problems with its emergency shutdown system and employee training.

Texas City is the site of the worst industrial accident in U.S. history. In 1947, a fire aboard a ship at the Texas City docks triggered a huge explosion that killed 576 people and left fires burning in the city for days.

"Welcome to life in Texas City," Marion Taylor, 55, said Wednesday. "I was born here and pretty much, it happens from time to time."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=2&u=/ap/20050324/ap_on_re_us/plant_explosion

[Spider]

Conoco, Oct '78. We had Boilermakers on the job when it blew. 3 plant workers were killed and about 15 injured.

The Texas city explosion is going to send gasoline higher. It's responsible for 3% of our gasoline production.
that sucks .......

[Tredici]

Conoco, Oct '78. We had Boilermakers on the job when it blew. 3 plant workers were killed and about 15 injured.



When that refinery had blast off it was early in the morning. I remember opening my eyes and seeing the walls of the house concuss like someone had sucked in the perimeters and then blew them out. Not knowing what was going on my first thoughts were - Rocky Flats, we're dead!

U.S Refineries have been increasing output without asset improvement and pushing out maintenance schedules as cost saving measures as standard operating over the last ten years or so. Talk to the Wall Street Anaylsts who advice on what they perceive is required to keep a benevolent attitude towards the stock price.

[ak1971]

When that refinery had blast off it was early in the morning. I remember opening my eyes and seeing the walls of the house concuss like someone had sucked in the perimeters and then blew them out. Not knowing what was going on my first thoughts were - Rocky Flats, we're dead!

U.S Refineries have been increasing output without asset improvement and pushing out maintenance schedules as cost saving measures as standard operating over the last ten years or so. Talk to the Wall Street Anaylsts who advice on what they perceive is required to keep a benevolent attitude towards the stock price.

I remember my parents house shaking and the windows almost blowing out. in 78 This was in Aurora, about 10-15 miles away from the refinery. I cant imagine what it would be like to be up close. I feel for those hurt, probably would be better to be dead.

As for the 3% of the total US output, I am sure the companies will use this to skyrocket prices 10 fold. Remember after Valdez, they jacked prices up, and this was one stinking ship.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

When that refinery had blast off it was early in the morning. I remember opening my eyes and seeing the walls of the house concuss like someone had sucked in the perimeters and then blew them out. Not knowing what was going on my first thoughts were - Rocky Flats, we're dead!

U.S Refineries have been increasing output without asset improvement and pushing out maintenance schedules as cost saving measures as standard operating over the last ten years or so. Talk to the Wall Street Anaylsts who advice on what they perceive is required to keep a benevolent attitude towards the stock price.
Managements position on refinery maintenance is that the best thing possible is to keep them running constantly. They all use the same excuse for not performing more maintenance (there is more chance for something going wrong bringing the units up and down).


If anyone wants to make some money over the next few years buy Valero.
They just inked another deal to buy low-grade crude from Mexico for about $18 a barrel below market. Yes, it costs more to refine crappy oil but they are going to make a killing off this.

[ak1971]

If anyone wants to make some money over the next few years buy Valero.
They just inked another deal to buy low-grade crude from Mexico for about $18 a barrel below market. Yes, it costs more to refine crappy oil but they are going to make a killing off this.[/QUOTE]


VLO looks a little expensive at $72, but I sure do like that chart...

[Rascal]

Wow to bad didn't buy at the beginning of the year when they were selling at 28 instead of 73.

[TexanBob]

Managements position on refinery maintenance is that the best thing possible is to keep them running constantly. They all use the same excuse for not performing more maintenance (there is more chance for something going wrong bringing the units up and down).


And this proves them out. They had taken the plant down for maintenance when the explosion occured. The last explosion there (though not as big or deadly) happened in March of 2004 when they were doing their annual shutdown for maintenance.

BP Amoco also claims that the explosion will not affect the amount of production.

Feel better now?

[Tredici]

[QUOTE=Bronco_Beerslug]Managements position on refinery maintenance is that the best thing possible is to keep them running constantly. They all use the same excuse for not performing more maintenance (there is more chance for something going wrong bringing the units up and down).


[QUOTE]

Thats not completely true. Hard shut downs of units caused by a power outage or lightning strike for example are extremely hard to cope with and cause major damage - sometimes in parts of equipment seeminly unrelated.

Planned shutdowns performed by the unit specifications are simply a part of maintenance, they are designed to be brought down and up. Meeting mandated product volumes and budget restrictions are far more likely to be the reason decisions are made and lots of smokescreens like the one you've suggested being used as cover.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

[QUOTE=Bronco_Beerslug]Managements position on refinery maintenance is that the best thing possible is to keep them running constantly. They all use the same excuse for not performing more maintenance (there is more chance for something going wrong bringing the units up and down).


[QUOTE]

Thats not completely true. Hard shut downs of units caused by a power outage or lightning strike for example are extremely hard to cope with and cause major damage - sometimes in parts of equipment seeminly unrelated.

Planned shutdowns performed by the unit specifications are simply a part of maintenance, they are designed to be brought down and up. Meeting mandated product volumes and budget restrictions are far more likely to be the reason decisions are made and lots of smokescreens like the one you've suggested being used as cover.

If done when they are supposed to be done, yes. And like you pointed out, refineries are under so much pressure to keep pumping out fuel that they often ignore recommended maintenance schedules. Another factor is money. It's extremely expensive to shut down operations for any length of time. Just like power plants all across this country that ignore recommended maintenance until the plant actually can't run any longer without being repaired.

Having personally been involved in maintenance on refineries, power plants and chemical plants, for many years, I've seen some things that just make you shake your head and walk away.

[Rascal]

...you mean run away.

We need more power plants and we need more refineries such that the proper maintenance can be done.

You can throw water treatment plants into that category as well. A friend of mine works with Department of Environmental Quality and took me on a tour of a water treatment facility in...talk about scary.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

And this proves them out. They had taken the plant down for maintenance when the explosion occured. The last explosion there (though not as big or deadly) happened in March of 2004 when they were doing their annual shutdown for maintenance.

BP Amoco also claims that the explosion will not affect the amount of production.

Feel better now?
Do I feel better that gasoline futures jumped 2.51 cents a gallon today because of the Texas City explosion? No, I don't.

Do you have any idea why they have so many accidents at that refinery?

[Rock Chalk]

Do I feel better that gasoline futures jumped 2.51 cents a gallon today because of the Texas City explosion? No, I don't.

Do you have any idea why they have so many accidents at that refinery?

You obviously have no clue what you are talking about if you are arguing with Tredici about the oil industry.

[Rock Chalk]

I mean seriously Beerslug, arguing with her about the oil industry is like arguing with Alan Greenspan about the economy. You are outmatched, and definately outwitted (which, by your union democrat status, isnt hard to do).

Id rather host the democratic convention than argue with Tredici about the oil industry. I could probably host the democratic convention, all four of you are likely to show up.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

You obviously have no clue what you are talking about if you are arguing with Tredici about the oil industry.
Where did you see an argument?
Maybe you're the one that's looking for a clue?

[Rock Chalk]

Where did you see an argument?
Maybe you're the one that's looking for a clue?
No dip****. I have a clue. I live 7 miles from the plant that exploded. And I have heard of exactly three plant explosions in 15 years in Texas City.

So tell me man, how is it that BP Amoco is having explosions "all the time"?

Clueless twit.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

No dip****. I have a clue. I live 7 miles from the plant that exploded. And I have heard of exactly three plant explosions in 15 years in Texas City.

So tell me man, how is it that BP Amoco is having explosions "all the time"?

Clueless twit.
LOL! That was my question. Do you know why?

[Rock Chalk]

LOL! That was my question. Do you know why?

I dont get into why. I am far more concerned with plant safety than you will ever be becuase its personal to me. I have several friends that work in various plants in and around Houston, most doing shutdowns.

The safety of these plants is paramount to me and in 15 years of living here only 3 explosions have I ever heard of. Why? Perhaps it is maintainence problems but there never seems to be any lack of shutdowns (which is when they do maintainence) going on. Maybe its just wear and tear and even the best maintainence cant prevent all accidents.

Do you realize how many plants are down here Beerslug? I think you do not. In Texas City, I bet there are over 50. In Houston, over 100. Pasadena, 200. Baytown, 100. Beaumont 250. Im just guessing on these numbers but you can drive down 225 in Houston and Pasadena for 40 miles and see nothing but plants on both sides.

And of all those plants, 3 explosions in 15 years that I know of.

Thats a pretty good f*cking track record if you ask me.

[Rock Chalk]

Now, lets see how long it takes you to blame Bush for this.

[ak1971]

Isnt Everything Bush's fault?

[alkemical]

Only when it comes to bad ****.

[TexanBob]

I lived in Texas City back in the 1980s and it seemed like we'd have a big "boom" about once a year. Some harmless, some not. I'll never forget the one that sent a thick plume of soot and smoke into the air. Then a thunderstorm rolled through and brought it all back down to earth in a hurry. Every uncovered car for miles looked like some children had been using black fingerpaints all over them. The car washes made damned good money that week.

[Tredici]

I lived in Texas City back in the 1980s and it seemed like we'd have a big "boom" about once a year. Some harmless, some not. I'll never forget the one that sent a thick plume of soot and smoke into the air. Then a thunderstorm rolled through and brought it all back down to earth in a hurry. Every uncovered car for miles looked like some children had been using black fingerpaints all over them. The car washes made damned good money that week.

Nowadays the refineries have to pay for those car washes. Still got your receipt?

[watermock]

Refineries are running at capacity. Noone wants to have one built in their backyard. None have been built, along with any new generation nuclear plants while demand has continually increased, despite some moderate conservation measures. Fact is, we could beach a herd of Supertankers on Galviston like beached whales and it wouldn't make a difference.