(Pemex, 20.Apr.2016) – The current situation in the Clorados 3 Plant of Petroquímica Mexicana de Vinilo’s (PMV) in Coatzacoalcos, is under control and presents no risk to the population.
This was pointed out during a press conference by Pemex CEO José Antonio González Anaya; the Governor of Veracruz, Javier Duarte; the National Coordinator of Civil Protection of the Ministry of the Interior, Luis Felipe Puente, and Mexichem CEO Antonio Carrillo. Mexichem operates the plant in partnership with Pemex.
In total, 136 injured workers were admitted to different Pemex and IMSS hospitals, of which 48 have already been discharged and 88 remain hospitalized.
Immediately after the explosion, safety protocols were activated, shutting down all pipes and valves, and proceeding to the evacuation of the plant.
In addition, the air quality was monitored to determine the existence of any substance that could represent a health risk, which was ruled out.
Medical care for the affected was established in close coordination between Pemex, the IMSS and the Ministry of Health, as well as between federal and state authorities.
Governor Duarte acknowledged the professionalism and quick response from security crews and civil protection systems, as well as Pemex brigades. In turn, the National Coordinator of Civil Protection said that 2,000 people were evacuated from surrounding areas, which have already returned to their homes, and highlighted the support of the Army, Navy, Federal Police and state and municipal police who cordoned off and secured the area.
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