The Top Five Worst Refinery Explosions in United States History

Refineries are complex and dangerous facilities, and accidents can happen. When they do, the consequences can be catastrophic, especially in chemical plants where the risks of fires, explosions, leaks, and injuries are significant. The oil and gas industry is also notable for its high rate of injuries and fatalities, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures and regulations.

This article examines the top five worst refinery explosions in United States history. The list is based on the number of fatalities, injuries, and environmental impact. This article also discusses the causes of these accidents and the lessons that have been learned from them.

1. Texas City Explosion (1947)

The Texas City Explosion is the deadliest refinery accident in United States history. On April 16, 1947, a fire broke out on board the SS Grandcamp, a French-flagged munitions ship that was docked at the Texas City docks. The fire quickly spread to other ships in the harbor, and eventually ignited a stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertilizer. The explosion that followed was so powerful that it was felt 150 miles away.

The explosion killed 581 people, including 276 dockworkers, 200 residents of Texas City, and 101 sailors on the SS Grandcamp. It also injured over 5,000 people. The explosion caused extensive damage to the Texas City docks and surrounding areas.

The cause of the fire on the SS Grandcamp is still unknown, but it is believed that it may have been caused by a spark from a welder’s torch. The explosion was a major disaster, and it led to a number of changes in safety regulations for refineries and other hazardous facilities.

Hiring an experienced refinery explosion lawyer is crucial for victims seeking compensation and justice for injuries caused by such negligence or misconduct.

2. BP Texas City Refinery Explosion (2005)

The BP Texas City Refinery Explosion was the second deadliest refinery accident in United States history. On March 23, 2005, a series of explosions occurred at the BP Texas City refinery during the restarting of a hydrocarbon isomerization unit. The explosions killed 15 workers and injured 180 others.

The explosions were caused by a combination of factors, including a buildup of flammable vapors, a lack of proper safety procedures, and inadequate training for workers. Oil and gas companies are responsible for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with federal safety regulations to prevent such disasters. The disaster led to a number of changes in safety regulations for refineries, and it also resulted in a $21.1 billion settlement for the victims and their families.

3. Imperial Sugar Company Explosion (2008)

The Imperial Sugar Company Explosion was the third deadliest refinery accident in United States history. On February 7, 2008, an explosion and fire occurred at the Imperial Sugar Company refinery in Port Wentworth, Georgia. The explosions killed 14 workers and injured 36 others.

The explosions were caused by a buildup of dust in the refinery’s sugar silos. The dust ignited when a spark from a welding torch ignited. This tragic event highlighted the critical need for safety training and strict compliance with regulations to protect plant and refinery workers. The disaster led to a number of changes in safety regulations for sugar mills and other facilities that handle combustible dust.

4. Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery Explosion (2006)

The Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery Explosion was the fourth deadliest refinery accident in United States history. On July 27, 2006, an explosion occurred at the Phillips 66 Wood River refinery in Roxana, Illinois. The explosion killed 11 workers and injured 17 others.

The explosion was caused by a buildup of flammable vapors in a distillation tower. The vapors ignited when a spark from a worker’s torch ignited. Plant and refinery explosions, often resulting from poorly maintained equipment, contaminated worksites, OSHA violations, and combustible dust, highlight the need for specialized legal representation for victims. The disaster led to a number of changes in safety regulations for refineries, and it also resulted in a $20 million settlement for the victims and their families.

5. Sunoco Marcus Hook Refinery Explosion (2019)

The Sunoco Marcus Hook Refinery Explosion was the fifth deadliest refinery accident in United States history. On June 21, 2019, an explosion occurred at the Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. The explosion killed 5 workers and injured 15 others.

The explosion was caused by a buildup of flammable vapors in a tank farm. The vapors ignited when a spark from a worker’s torch ignited. The disaster led to a number of changes in safety regulations for refineries, and it also resulted in a $100 million settlement for the victims and their families.

Injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which are provided by employers who subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance.

Contact Morrow & Sheppard’s Nationwide Refinery Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured while working in or for a refinery, call one of our refinery explosion attorneys at (800) 489-2216 to find out how we can help you with your or your loved one’s injuries. Our refinery explosion attorneys have a proven track record of winning billions of dollars for injured industrial workers and their families in cases related to plant and refinery explosions. Morrow & Sheppard, LLP has successfully litigated many refinery accidents and lawsuits previously. We know what we are doing and we know how to recover the most compensation for our clients.