HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — A sulfuric acid leak at an industrial storage facility in East Harris County early Saturday morning sent two people to the hospital and led to more than 40 others being treated at the scene, according to local officials.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. at the BWC Terminals facility near Channelview, when a catwalk structure collapsed onto a 6-inch sulfuric acid supply line. The impact ruptured the line and caused a chemical release inside the facility.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to contain the spill and assess potential risks to workers, nearby vessels, and the surrounding environment.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and fire officials, the incident unfolded as follows:
A metal catwalk collapsed onto a sulfuric acid pipeline inside the facility
The damaged line released product from a tank holding approximately 1 million gallons
Most of the sulfuric acid was captured within the facility’s designated containment area
An unknown amount entered the Houston Ship Channel
Hazmat crews stopped the leak shortly after 6:00 a.m.
The Channelview Fire District led the hazardous materials response, while the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and environmental agencies monitored air quality and water conditions.
Officials said the leak was confined to the industrial area and posed no immediate danger to the public, so no shelter-in-place order was issued.
Two people experiencing breathing problems were transported to the hospital as a precaution and later released. In addition:
44 individuals were treated at the scene
Those evaluated included facility workers and crew members from two ships docked nearby
Several people reported respiratory irritation and feeling unwell
Emergency responders established on-site medical screening and decontamination procedures to ensure no ongoing exposure risks.
County officials confirmed that environmental monitoring began immediately following the leak.
Air quality sensors were deployed after reports of breathing discomfort and chemical odors. Authorities stated that readings remained within acceptable limits throughout the response.
Water testing in the Houston Ship Channel is ongoing to determine whether any sulfuric acid release affected marine conditions. As of the latest update:
No impacts to marine life have been reported
The Houston Ship Channel remained open to vessel traffic
Cleanup and neutralization efforts continue within the facility
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo emphasized that environmental agencies will continue monitoring until the area is deemed fully safe.
An investigation is now underway to determine what caused the catwalk collapse and whether safety violations or maintenance failures played a role.
Agencies involved include:
Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office
Environmental regulators
Workplace safety investigators
Chemical releases of this magnitude are rare, and investigators will review structural integrity, inspection records, and compliance with safety standards.
Industrial chemical leaks raise serious legal questions, particularly when workers or others suffer exposure-related injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, injured individuals may have claims related to:
Unsafe working conditions
Equipment or structural failures
Inadequate safety procedures or inspections
Third-party negligence involving contractors or facility operators
Chemical exposure cases often require complex investigations involving environmental data, medical records, and regulatory compliance.
VB Attorneys has experience representing workers and families in catastrophic workplace incidents, including industrial accidents, chemical exposure cases, and explosions.
Our trial lawyers understand how companies and insurers respond after major industrial events and how critical early investigation can be to protecting victims’ rights.
If you or a loved one were affected by this sulfuric acid leak or another workplace chemical incident, we are available to review your situation and explain your legal options.
If you have questions about your rights after a workplace or industrial chemical accident, contact VB Attorneys for a free consultation.
📞 Call (713) 224-7800
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