Late Monday morning, residents of Mont Belvieu, Texas, were startled by a powerful explosion at the ONEOK MBC Maintenance plant. The blast sent shockwaves through the community. According to city officials, three workers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital in Baytown. Thankfully, all other employees were accounted for after the Mont Belvieu explosion. Officials confirm that the fire poses no immediate threat to the public.
Industrial explosions like this one serve as a powerful reminder of the hazards workers face every day. Industrial facilities pose various hazards, and workers should know their rights and options if an incident or injury occurs. Kherkher Garcia is here to help. Below, our workplace explosion attorneys discuss the importance of workers’ rights and fighting for justice after a workplace injury.
Mont Belvieu Explosion Details
The Mont Belvieu Explosion happened around 11 a.m. on Monday morning. Residents reported hearing , and even feeling, the explosion miles away. “That was a big boom. Shook my office,” one witness told KHOU 11. Another said the blast rattled her entire home. Firefighters from the Mont Belvieu Fire Department quickly responded, bringing the fire under control within hours. Despite the quick response, aerial footage showed extensive structural damage to the plant.
In a statement, ONEOK emphasized its commitment to safety and announced plans to investigate the cause before resuming operations. The company, headquartered in Tulsa, operates more than 60,000 miles of pipelines across the U.S., transporting natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and crude oil.
While officials were quick to assure the public that the situation was under control, the incident underscores a much larger concern – the persistent danger faced by industrial workers in Texas.
Texas Industrial Accidents: A Pattern of Risk
Texas is home to one of the largest concentrations of refineries, chemical plants, and energy facilities in the nation. While these industries fuel both the economy and national energy supply, they also present significant risks for workers.
Over the past several years, Texas has seen a troubling pattern of explosions, fires, and chemical releases that have injured and killed industrial workers:
- 2023 – Pasadena Plant Explosion: A chemical plant blast injured several workers when a tank ignited during maintenance operations.
- 2022 – Freeport LNG Explosion: A massive explosion at a liquefied natural gas terminal temporarily halted operations and sent shockwaves through surrounding communities.
- 2021 – Westlake Chemical Plant Fire (Sulphur, LA/Texas border): Multiple workers were injured when an ethylene dichloride leak ignited.
- 2020 – Watson Grinding and Manufacturing Explosion (Houston): A devastating blast leveled nearby homes, killing three people and injuring dozens.
- 2019 – TPC Group Plant Explosion (Port Neches): A pair of massive explosions forced thousands of residents to evacuate and left workers with severe burns and respiratory injuries.
These are just a few examples of preventable industrial disasters that have rocked Texas communities. Many of these incidents were later linked to equipment failures, poor maintenance, or inadequate safety protocols.
For workers who spend their days surrounded by pressurized pipelines, volatile gases, and flammable materials, the risks are ever-present.
What Causes Industrial Explosions and Fires?
Industrial plants like the ONEOK facility handle enormous quantities of highly flammable and pressurized substances, including propane, ethane, butane, and natural gas liquids. A single misstep can have catastrophic results. Some of the most common causes of industrial explosions include:
- Gas Leaks: Escaping natural gas or NGLs can ignite when exposed to sparks, static electricity, or even hot equipment surfaces.
- Mechanical Failures: Equipment such as compressors, valves, and pressure vessels can rupture if not properly maintained.
- Improper Maintenance or Oversight: Failing to inspect or replace worn parts can lead to leaks or overheating.
- Electrical Malfunctions: Faulty wiring or arc flashes are a frequent ignition source in refineries and processing plants.
- Human Error: Miscommunication, fatigue, or improper training can lead to dangerous procedural mistakes.
- Inadequate Safety Systems: Poorly designed or malfunctioning detection and suppression systems can turn small incidents into large-scale disasters.
Every explosion or fire is unique, but they often share one underlying theme – preventable negligence.
Injuries Common in Plant Explosions and Fires
Even when workers survive a blast, the injuries sustained can be life-altering. The combination of heat, pressure, and chemical exposure makes industrial accidents among the most severe workplace incidents. Common injuries in these incidents include:
- Burns: Ranging from first- to third-degree, often requiring multiple surgeries or skin grafts.
- Blast Injuries: Damage to lungs, eardrums, and internal organs caused by pressure waves.
- Fractures and Crush Injuries: From falling debris or structural collapse.
- Toxic Exposure: Inhalation of chemicals like hydrogen sulfide or ammonia can cause lasting respiratory damage.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many survivors experience long-term psychological trauma following industrial accidents.
These injuries can result in months or even years of recovery. The toll is more than physical, but also financial. Victims often have significant medical bills and the loss of the ability to work. In tragic cases, they lead to permanent disability or death. Incidents like the Mont Belvieu explosion shake workers, families, and entire communities.
Worker Safety and Employer Responsibility
Industrial employers in Texas are legally required to follow strict occupational safety standards, including those set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). These standards mandate hazard assessments, employee training, and the maintenance of safe equipment and environments.
However, many workers report being pressured to cut corners, ignore warning signs, or work without adequate safety gear. When companies prioritize profit over people, workers pay the price.
The good news? When preventable accidents occur, employers and third-party contractors can , and should, be held accountable. An experienced industrial injury attorney can help injured workers and their families by:
- Investigating the cause of the explosion or fire.
- Identifying liable parties, including employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.
- Ensuring victims receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- If an employer is a workers’ compensation nonsubscriber, assisting workers in obtaining compensation via third party claims.
- Pursuing wrongful death claims on behalf of families who lost loved ones.
Legal action not only helps victims recover financially – it also pressures companies to implement safer practices and prevent future tragedies.
What Victims Should Do After an Industrial Accident
If you or a loved one is injured in a plant or refinery explosion, taking the right steps early can make all the difference in your recovery and legal case:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even minor burns or inhalation injuries can worsen quickly.
- Report the Incident: Notify supervisors or plant safety officials, but avoid signing any documents before consulting an attorney.
- Document Everything: Take photos, gather witness information, and keep copies of medical records.
- Contact an Experienced Attorney: Industrial injury cases are complex, often involving multiple companies and layers of liability.
The sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the stronger your case will be.
FAQs About Industrial Explosions and Worker Rights
What should I do if my employer pressures me not to report my injury?
You have the right to report any workplace injury without retaliation. If your employer attempts to silence you, document all communications and contact an attorney immediately.
Can I sue if my injury was caused by a contractor or equipment failure?
Yes. Many plant explosions involve third parties, including maintenance contractors or equipment manufacturers. An attorney can investigate and determine all responsible parties.
What compensation can I recover after a plant explosion?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and, in some cases, punitive damages if gross negligence occurred.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas is two years, but certain exceptions may apply. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Can workers still receive benefits if they are contract employees or temporary workers?
Yes, contract or temp workers injured on the job can pursue compensation through personal injury claims or third-party liability lawsuits, depending on the circumstances.
Holding Companies Accountable: How Kherkher Garcia Can Help
Industrial workers are the backbone of Texas’ energy and manufacturing industries. These workers and their families deserve to be protected. When explosions, fires, or chemical leaks occur, those responsible must be held accountable.
At Kherkher Garcia, our experienced workplace explosion attorneys have a long history of standing up for injured workers and their families. We understand the devastating impact of workplace accidents and fight tirelessly to secure full and fair compensation.
Our team investigates every detail of the incident – from maintenance records and safety logs to equipment failures and corporate policies. We uncover the truth and demand justice for those harmed.
If you or a loved one were injured in an incident like the Mont Belvieu explosion, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free and confidential consultation. Get started now by calling 713-333-1030. You can also request more information or a consultation by submitting our website contact form. We are committed to protecting Texas workers, one case at a time.
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