Local Refinery Faces Prolonged Closure Amidst Fire and Tower Collapse

A local refinery in Port Arthur faced a severe setback when it was abruptly shut down indefinitely following a catastrophic incident involving a fire and the subsequent collapse of a critical tower. The incident unfolded on a fateful Tuesday morning, prompting the urgent evacuation of employees as they grappled with a situation fraught with danger and uncertainty.

The distressing chain of events commenced at approximately 10:45 a.m. when a fire broke out in the Pygas Unit of the BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals site, as reported by Shelly Vitanza, the company's Community and Government Affairs Manager. This alarming development cast a shadow of concern over the facility, as the Pygas Unit played a pivotal role in the refinery's operations.

Just over an hour later, at precisely 11:55 a.m., the Extractive Dissolution Tower located within the Pygas Unit dramatically collapsed. This harrowing event sent shockwaves through the plant, leading to the swift evacuation of employees who were not directly involved in managing the unfolding crisis. The initial belief was that the pyrolysis tower had suffered the collapse; however, as the situation evolved, it became evident that it was, in fact, the Extractive Dissolution Tower that had succumbed to the forces of nature.

Shelly Vitanza shed light on the critical role played by the Extractive Dissolution Tower in the refinery's operations. This tower was instrumental in the recovery of aromatics, a class of chemical compounds that includes benzene, toluene, and xylenes. These substances are typically extracted by refineries from gasoline blending stock generated through catalytic reforming processes. Notably, the tower had been undergoing maintenance over the preceding weekend and was devoid of any content at the time the fire erupted.

The incident that led to the refinery's indefinite closure remains shrouded in mystery, prompting an urgent investigation into its root causes. As Vitanza emphasized, BASF upholds the utmost importance of safeguarding health, safety, and the environment as its core responsibility. She conveyed the company's profound concern for its employees and the communities it serves. BASF is resolute in its commitment to operate its facilities with unwavering dedication to safety and environmental responsibility, echoing a commitment that underscores the well-being of all stakeholders involved.

In summary, the local refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, found itself grappling with an unforeseen crisis as a fire and the subsequent collapse of the Extractive Dissolution Tower forced an indefinite shutdown of the facility. The incident, which prompted the evacuation of employees, was successfully contained without injuries or offsite impact, and constant monitoring ensured the absence of harmful emissions. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the incident's cause, BASF remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety of its employees and the environment as it navigates this challenging chapter in its operations.