At Least Two Dead After 'Chemical Incident' at LyondellBasell Chemical Plant in Texas

As local officials and first responders work to handle what is described in the reports as a "mass casualty" chemical incident at LyondellBasell in Texas, the reason for the leak of toxic material remains unclear.

At least two people have died in a chemical incident that took place at a LyondellBasell facility in La Porte, Texas, on Tuesday, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office said, without specifying how many people were injured.

Officials responded to the incident in the 1500 block of Miller Cut Off at around 7:30 p.m., local time. No protective actions are recommended to the public, and the Fire Marshall's Office said that the leak has been "isolated".

According to reports, citing LyondellBasell statement, at least 4 people were injured in the incident, having suffered burns and transported to hospitals in an unknown condition.

La Porte EMS has confirmed two deaths as a result of the incident.

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​Local media reported, citing officials, that "the facility experienced an acetic acid leak, which is a simple monocarboxylic acid containing two carbons".

"Air monitoring demonstrated no levels of concern for the community. The safety of our workers and those who live and work near our facilities is our first priority.” LyondellBasell statement said, cited by Click 2 Houston.

The cause of the incident remains unknown and an investigation is ongoing.