An industrial accident in Galveston has left five workers injured after a small explosion occurred near a shipping terminal. According to FOX26 Houston, the explosion was reported around 2:48 p.m. yesterday at Texas International Terminals located on Old Port Industrial Road.
The incident took place while the workers were performing routine maintenance on equipment, said Chief Mike Varela of the Galveston Fire Department in a statement obtained by ABC13. Of the injured workers, three sustained burn-related injuries, with one reportedly suffering burns to 50% of their body and another to 15%. The severity of the third burn victim's injuries is currently unknown, while the remaining two workers had non-burn-related injuries.
All five injured parties were taken to UTMB John Sealy for treatment. As of the latest reports, there is no ongoing danger to the public surrounding the area.
The Galveston Fire Department has confirmed that the fire was no longer active upon their arrival, and there were no leaks found. Investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of the explosion and to determine whether all safety protocols were in place. According to a report by ABC13, the company is also conducting their own independent investigation into the details surrounding the incident.
Authorities are still gathering information at the scene and have yet to release further details about the possible trigger of the explosion. With the area deemed secure by officials, the focus remains on investigating the explosion's cause and the subsequent measures to prevent future occurrences.
