Chlorine Gas Leak Causes Shelter-in-Place Orders in Clute & Jackson

On Tuesday morning, shelter-in-place orders were implemented across Clute, Lake Jackson, and multiple school campuses after a chlorine gas leak at Olin Plant B in Freeport, TX. Although the leak has been contained, the incident raised serious concerns for nearby residents’ health and safety.

Timeline of the Incident

9:01 a.m. – Brazosport CAER (Community Awareness & Emergency Response) reported the chlorine leak at Olin Plant B, and emergency protocols were activated. A district-wide shelter-in-place order was announced by Brazosport ISD shortly after.

9:30 a.m. – Shelter-in-place order issued for Clute and Lake Jackson.

9:46 a.m. – Olin reported the chlorine leak had stopped, and confirmed that no other communities were affected.

10:40 a.m. – All shelter-in-place orders were lifted by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. Despite the relatively short duration of the emergency, the incident has raised major concerns about public health.

Olin Issues Statement Following the Incident

Following the chlorine gas leak, Olin issued the following statement:

“Site Emergency Response was immediately engaged, and the leak was stopped. Employees at the facility took immediate safety precautions while a team began working to address the situation. Olin is appreciative of the rapid response and support of all site and local emergency response teams during this incident. The safety of our employees, the community, and our environment is always our top priority.”

All plant personnel have been accounted for, and anyone that was exposed to the gas is being treated by medical personnel. An investigation into the cause of the gas leak is ongoing.

What Are the Health Risks of Chlorine Gas Exposure?

Chlorine gas exposure can cause a number of distinctive symptoms, including:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Potential lung damage with prolonged exposure

If you believe you have been exposed to chlorine gas, you should immediately:

• Get inside and away from the source of exposure
• Remove jewelry and clothing to prevent continued contamination
• Wash your hair and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water

If you continue to experience adverse effects in the aftermath of an exposure to chlorine gas, seek medical attention right away.

What Are Your Legal Rights?

Companies that handle toxic chemicals are legally responsible for public safety. If you have been affected by this leak, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Our Texas personal injury firm is experienced in chemical exposure cases and is here to help Brazoria County residents understand their rights. If you or a loved one were affected by this incident or another gas leak, contact us today at (800) 869-0000 for a free consultation!