Chemical plant explosions reported in Harvey aftermath

Local emergency officials have reported two explosions at a flooded chemical plant in the Texas town of Crosby.


In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey, the plant company Arkema SA had said it expected chemicals to catch fire or explode at the facility because of lost power to its cooling systems.

A company statement today said."At approximately 2am CDT (0700 GMT), we were notified by the Harris County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of two explosions and black smoke coming from the Arkema Inc plant in Crosby, Texas."
         
Arkema SA evacuated the last remaining workers at the damaged plant on Tuesday, and local authorities ordered the evacuation of residents within a 2.4km (1.5m) radius of the plant, which makes organic peroxides used in the production of plastic resins, polystyrene, paints and other products.

Meanwhile, Harvey has weakened as it moved inland over Louisiana, leaving behind record flooding that drove tens of thousands from their homes in Texas.

The death toll rose as bodies were found in receding waters, with at least 35 people now confirmed dead.
 [rte.ie]
31/8/17
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