Archive for June 3rd, 2012

Forerunner driver killed in accident at Falvel and FM2920

One driver died and another way injured in a two car accident early this morning. At around 2:00am a Toyota Forerunner SUV was speeding down FM2920 when it ran a red light at Falvel and struck another car. The Forerunner rolled over into a ditch and the driver of the Forerunner died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to the hospital in stable condition. Investigators told Channel 2 they will test the deceased driver to determine whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Without wanting to rush to judgment, when a car crash happens in the early morning hours on the weekend, alcohol is usually to blame. FOX News’ coverage of the accident is here.

The driver of this flipped Toyota Forerunner died in the early morning accident

Deadly explosion in Channelview at Oiltanking Partners plant

Channel 2 is reporting a deadly explosion at the Oiltanking Partners plant in the 15600 block of Jacintoport Boulevard in Channelview. Channelview Emergency Services told reporters that fumes inside a pipe being worked on ignited during a welding procedure causing an explosion at approximately 8:00am this morning. Electrician Mac McClinton, an army veteran, said it sounded like a bomb had gone off. He also saw a man running from the scene soaked in blood. Officials with Oiltanking Partners have not released the name of the man who was killed, but they have said he was an independent contractor, not an employee of the company. A second person was injured and was transported to the hospital, but the Channel 2 story did not have specific on that person’s injuries. Channel 13’s report indicates the deceased worker and the injured worker were employed by L-Con Constructors, a Houston-based independent contracting company working on the premises.
Oiltanking Partners, L.P. is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol OILT. They are involved in the terminaling, storage and transportation of crude oil, refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas. FOX News’ story on the plant explosion is here. The Houston Chronicle’s story is here. Channel 11’s story is here.

Smith & Hassler has been helpingĀ injured workers and their families for work injury claims, plant explosions and workplace wrongful death claims for 23-years. Houston workers are entitled to do an honest days work in a safe workplace: if you or a loved one have been injured at work, contact Smith & Hassler any time, day or night, and ask to speak to an attorney to make sure you understand your legal rights.

Channelview emergency responders rush to the scene of the explosion at Oiltanking Partners plant.