7 Injured in Corpus Christi Oil Tank Explosion

Several people were injured after a tank fire at Magellan Midstream Partners’ Corpus Christi petroleum facility. The tank fire occurred over the weekend at about 10 AM on Saturday, December 5th. Firefighters spent several hours extinguishing the flames from the explosion. 

Tank Fire Leads To Explosion

The fire occurred in a tank that stores white crude oil while a crew cleaned out the tank’s residual product. The tank fire ultimately led to an explosion. Five of the workers cleaning the above-ground crude oil storage tank were severely injured and flown to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio for treatment of burn injuries. 

A shelter in place was issued shortly after the tank fire caused the explosion. This shelter in place was short-lived, and “Air monitoring was performed throughout this entire incident of which there was zero readings of concern on any types of gas or chemicals” at the site, according to Fire Cheif Richie Quintero.

The exact cause of the tank fire and explosion has yet to be discovered. “We don’t really know just yet what caused the fire, but there will be a thorough internal investigation to discover what happened,” said Mark Calhoun, the manager of the terminal and process operations at Magellan’s Corpus Christi petroleum facility.

In response to the tank fire, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas Division of Emergency Management would be providing support on the ground.

This tank fire is one of many recent industrial accidents involving oil and gas in the Corpus Christie area. 

What To Do After Suffering Burn Injuries in an Explosion or Fire

We help people who’ve been injured after an explosion or fire. At VB Attorneys, we know all too well how tank fires, oilfield explosions, and refinery fires can lead to life-threatening accidents. 

Survivors of explosions, fires, and caustic chemical spills are often affected by extensive, difficult-to-treat injuries that make the future uncertain. The immense challenges can be physical, emotional, and financial, as victims try to deal with complex injuries and additional complications. If you or someone you know has been injured after a fire or explosion, you must speak with experienced attorneys who can help you navigate the uncertainties. 

At VB Attorneys, our lawyers are board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We’ve helped countless accident victims in Texas and around the nation get the compensation they deserve, often against large, national employers and insurance companies. Click here for a free and confidential consultation, or call us at 713-224-7800.