Fire doused at BASF Freeport, Tex., chemical site

Sept. 13, 2002
Firefighters have extinguished a fire that erupted Friday morning involving a railcar at BASF Corp.'s Freeport, Tex., petrochemical facility.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Sept. 13 -- Firefighters have extinguished a fire that erupted Friday morning involving a railcar at BASF Corp.'s Freeport, Tex., petrochemical facility. An explosion occurred shortly following reports of a chemical release from the railcar, which contained ammonia and xyxlohexanone oxime, among other chemicals.

BASF stated that although no serious injuries were caused by the explosion and subsequent fire, four people reported having sustained minor injuries such as cuts and bruises.

BASF's Freeport site, which includes 16 plants, produces a wide range of chemical products and employs 1,100 people, BASF said.

"There is no danger to the community as a result of the incident, BASF said in a written press release, "but residents immediately downwind of the site have been advised to stay indoors as a precautionary step while cleanup of the incident site continues."

BASF said it would conduct an investigation of the incident.