Worker killed following asphalt storage tank rupture in South Houston

Officials investigate deadly industrial accident in South Houston

An investigation is now underway following a deadly industrial accident in South Houston on Wednesday afternoon. FOX 26's Karys Belger and Jillian Hartmann have the latest. 

SOUTH HOUSTON, Texas - Crews are currently on standby waiting to clean up following a deadly industrial accident in South Houston on Wednesday afternoon. 

What we know:

Officials said the incident occurred near the intersection of Christy Place and Texas Street in the City of South Houston at a location called Martin Asphalt - South Houston around 3:30 p.m.

According to the Houston Fire Department, a storage tank ruptured and 50,000 gallons of asphalt came out of a storage tank. 

Authorities with the City of South Houston contacted the Houston Fire Department HAZMAT. 

A worker was trapped as a result of the storage tank rupture and later confirmed to be dead. Officials said the person was believed to be buried under three feet of asphalt. 

A source told FOX 26 the tar was about 210 degrees. 

The Harris County Fire Marshals Office said recovery operations have been completed. The Medical Examiners Office is on scene.  

Officials added during a Wednesday evening news briefing that air monitoring is continuing and there is currently no danger to the community. 

Authorities also said crews are on standby and ready to start cleaning up. 

What we don't know:

Officials said the Pasadena Fire Marshals Office is investigating the cause of the incident. 

The victim has not been identified by authorities. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

What they're saying:

Sharon Taylor, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said, "Martin Asphalt confirms with deep regret that an employee involved in a recent incident at our South Houston, Texas asphalt terminal has died. Due to conditions at the site, access to the affected area has been limited and the employee has not yet been recovered. Emergency response procedures were initiated and local emergency responders were notified and responded to the site. This is a tragic situation, and we are treating it with the utmost seriousness at every level of our company.

Our deepest sympathies are with the employee’s family during this difficult time. We are focused on supporting those affected, including providing appropriate resources to our workforce.

Safety is a fundamental priority for our company. We maintain established safety procedures and emergency response protocols across our operations, and those protocols were activated. We have commenced a comprehensive internal review of the incident and are in the process of gathering and evaluating all relevant facts and information. We are also cooperating with appropriate governmental authorities in connection with their reviews.

At this time, the cause of the incident has not been determined. It would be inappropriate to speculate prior to the completion of the review processes. Our focus is on ensuring a thorough, objective, and methodical evaluation of the circumstances.

Out of respect for the individual and their family, and to preserve the integrity of the ongoing review processes, we are not providing additional details at this time. We appreciate the public’s understanding as we work through this matter carefully and responsibly.

This statement reflects information currently available to the company. We will continue to evaluate information as it develops and will provide updates if and when appropriate."