A hydrogen sulfide leak at the Pemex refinery in Deer Park, TX, killed two workers and injured at least 35 others on October 10. The Mexican oil company now faces multiple lawsuits.

Chemistry World reported that nearly 20 tons of hydrogen sulfide along with 14 tons of sulfur dioxide were released, and two nearby cities were under shelter-in-place orders.

Pemex said the leak occurred during equipment maintenance with the initial release lasting a few minutes - associated emissions were under control in approximately three hours. Air quality sensors monitoring for hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide along the facility’s perimeter did not detect the toxic gases.

On October 14, three Pemex workers filed a lawsuit against the company for $1 million in damages for injuries resulting from the leak. Pemex also faces legal action from the family of one worker who died during the leak.

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