SOUTH HOUSTON, Texas — One worker is dead after an asphalt tank ruptured Wednesday afternoon at an industrial facility in South Houston, officials said.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. at Martin Asphalt on Christy Place near Galveston Road and Spencer Highway.
Emergency crews responding to the scene discovered that one employee was unaccounted for after the rupture. City officials later confirmed the worker was located beneath an estimated three feet of hot black tar and was recovered dead at the scene.
“Our fire department was able to locate the individual. Recovery is still underway,” said Alma Alanis with the City of South Houston during a Wednesday night news conference. “We have Houston Fire Department Hazmat helping us out with the recovery. We have not been able to confirm the identity. Once we do, we will notify the next of kin.”
Officials said approximately 50,000 gallons of black tar spilled from the ruptured tank, spreading across parts of the facility and nearby roadways. Cleanup operations are expected to continue for several days and may cause traffic disruptions in the area.
The Pasadena Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the cause of the rupture. Crews will bring in heavy equipment, including a crane, to remove the damaged tank so investigators can fully assess the site.
City officials said air monitoring was conducted and determined there is no danger to the public, though residents may notice a lingering odor from the asphalt material.
In a statement, Martin Asphalt confirmed the employee’s death.
“Martin Asphalt confirms with deep regret that an employee involved in a recent incident at our South Houston, Texas, asphalt terminal has died,” the company said.
The company said emergency response procedures were activated immediately and that it is cooperating with authorities while conducting an internal review.
“At this time, the cause of the incident has not been determined,” the statement said. “It would be inappropriate to speculate prior to the completion of the review processes.”
Martin Asphalt, part of Martin Resource Management, operates a facility that manufactures asphalt paving and roofing products, sealants, and related coatings.
Witnesses in nearby neighborhoods reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing black smoke and asphalt spill into the surrounding area. Some said vehicles near the facility were coated in tar and rendered inoperable.
Officials said further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
