Texas Chemical Leak Triggers Statewide Shelter-in-Place Mandate for Thousands
Chemical Leak in Texas Triggers Shelter-in-Place Order, Injures Workers
A chlorine gas leak at Olin Plant B in Freeport, Texas, injured four workers on May 20, 2025, forcing thousands of residents to shelter indoors. The incident occurred at 9:00 a.m., with emergency sirens alerting the community as yellow gas clouds billowed from the facility.
[Image: Thick yellow gas clouds enveloping industrial machinery at Olin Plant B. Caption: Chlorine gas leaked from the Olin Plant B facility in Freeport, Texas, prompting emergency alerts.]
One worker was hospitalized but is awake, alert, and expected to recover. The others were treated on-site. Authorities classified the leak as a Level 3 release, indicating the gas spread beyond the plant. Chlorine exposure can cause severe respiratory issues, eye irritation, and, at high concentrations, fatal lung damage.
Freeport (population 10,500) and neighboring towns, including Clute and Lake Jackson, issued shelter-in-place orders. Schools sealed doors and delayed dismissals until authorities declared the area safe.
Resident Michael Kelly told Click2Houston, “Explosions and gas releases are part of life here. Plants take precautions, but it’s unavoidable sometimes.”
[Image: Aerial view of Freeport neighborhoods under shelter-in-place orders. Caption: Over 10,500 residents were ordered to stay indoors as chlorine gas spread beyond the plant.]
The leak was contained by 9:46 a.m., but officials urged caution. Locals reported burning eyes and strong odors on social media. “The smell is so strong… Eyes feeling the burn,” one resident posted.
Plant History and Previous Incidents
Olin Plant B produces chlorine, caustic soda, and bleach, vital for water treatment and manufacturing. The facility is part of Dow Texas Operations, a major industrial complex.
This leak follows recent Texas chemical disasters. In October 2024, a hydrogen sulfide leak at a Pemex refinery in Deer Park killed one person and triggered shelter orders. Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas, poses fire risks and respiratory dangers.
[Image: Flames engulfing a pipeline in La Porte, Texas, September 2024. Caption: A pipeline fire in La Porte led to evacuations months before the Freeport leak.]
In September 2024, a pipeline explosion in La Porte sparked evacuations after a vehicle struck a valve, causing a massive fire. Energy Transfer, the pipeline operator, cited ongoing investigations.
Response and Community Impact
Freeport’s Emergency Management Office reassured residents that “no immediate threat” persisted after containment. Brazosport ISD, 10 miles from the plant, locked down campuses as a precaution.
Chlorine remains critical for water treatment and manufacturing but poses risks in industrial accidents. Officials urge vigilance and adherence to safety protocols during emergencies.
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