Explosions reported at Texas chemical plant flooded by Harvey

French chemicals producer Arkema on Aug. 31 reported two explosions and black smoke coming from its flooded plant in Crosby, Texas.

The plant had been hit by flooding in the wake of Hurricane Harvey which overwhelmed its primary power and two sources of emergency backup power. As a result, the company lost critical refrigeration of the products on site. Some of its organic peroxides products burn if not stored at low temperature.

Organic peroxides are extremely flammable and the best course of action is to let the fire burn itself out, the company said.

Local officials had previously established an evacuation zone in an area 1.5 miles from the plant, based on their assessment of the situation.

Organic peroxides are a family of compounds that are used in a wide range of applications, such as making pharmaceuticals and construction materials.

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