Fire erupts in Huntsman propylene plant

01-May-06

A fire erupted in the refrigeration unit at Huntsman Corp.'s propylene plant, sending black clouds of smoke. As a safety measure, highways around the plant have been barricaded and a shelter-in-place for area residents has been ordered. The Federal Aviation Administration also has closed the airspace above the plant to aircraft. Propylene, while listed as a volatile organic compound, is not known to be carcinogenic; hence it poses little danger to area residents in the El Vista neighborhood. Huntsman officials closed all valves to the unit to prevent further chemicals from feeding the fire, which will be left to burn out. All personnel have been accounted for and no injuries have been reported.