Video: KHOU 11 News
Anita Hassan, Houston Chronicle
An explosion at a La Porte plant Saturday killed one employee and left another seriously injured, authorities said.
Around 7:40 a.m., a loud explosion occurred at the Air Liquide plant at 11450 W. Fairmont Parkway, just west of Bay Area Boulevard. The blast, which occurred in a metal building on the site, triggered a fire that filled the area with heavy smoke. About 15 to 20 employees were believed to be on site at the time, company spokesman Michael Rosen said.
One employee was taken immediately by helicopter to the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, said La Porte Police Sgt. John Krueger. Officials said the man sustained serious injuries but was able to speak to investigators later in the day.
Another employee, Javier Ortiz, 30, was reported missing. Crews searched for about 12 hours before discovering a body. They were unable to confirm the victim’s identity Saturday night.
(Read more at Chron.com)
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