Shelter-in-place order lifted in Texas City after toxic spill

Texas City, TX, United States (4E) – Authorities have declared before dawn that it is safe again in Texas City after a toxic cloud that materialized after 300 gallons of hydrochloric acid leak coming from a southeast storage area has sickened nine people and forced thousands of locals to stay indoors late Wednesday.

According to Bruce Clawson, coordinator of the local emergency management office, the toxic cloud was produced by a tank explosion at the Dallas Group of America’s facility near the port.

Four firefighters and five workers at the facility were transported to the Mainland Medical Center due to exposure.

More than 45,000 residents of Texas City were told by officials to stay indoors, turn off air conditioning units, and close all windows and doors until the harmful cloud vanished.

Officials have lifted the shelter order before 4 a.m. but the all-clear was confirmed only at 6 a.m. The incident was first reported around 11 p.m.

The cause of the leak has not been released.

It was reported that the cleanup is expected to last for days.

The residents of Texas City have had experiences dealing with risks from chemical leak. Last March, an acid leak was documented at BP’s refinery in the port city. In 2011, several homes have to be evacuated after a pipeline broke, spilling 250,000 gallons of gasoline.

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