2 workers dead after chemical plant incident in Pasadena

Quala, 5100 Underwood Road, is shown Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Pasadena where two workers died early Saturday cleaning a chemical tank, according to Harris County Sheriff's deputies. Quala, 5100 Underwood Road, is shown Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Pasadena where two workers died early Saturday cleaning a chemical tank, according to Harris County Sheriff's deputies. Photo: Melissa Phillip, Staff Photographer Photo: Melissa Phillip, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close 2 workers dead after chemical plant incident in Pasadena 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

Two workers died early Saturday cleaning a chemical tank in Pasadena, according to Harris County Sheriff's deputies.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. at the Quala firm at 5100 Underwood Road.

Deputies responded to reports of a work accident at a chemical transportation plant at around 7 a.m. Saturday. Authorities say that the workers were cleaning a chemical tank and may have been "overcome by fumes."

According to initial reports, a male employee went into the back of an 18-wheeler. When he didn't return, another employee went to check on him. Eventually, an employee wearing a gas mask went to check on them, and found their bodies, authorities said.

An employee at the property declined to be interviewed and referred questions to Paul Woodbury, vice president of human resources at Quala. Woodbury did not return messages Saturday.

Workers at the facility specialize in cleaning chemicals from tanks hauled by trucks and trains. The property has four bays for chemical washes, according to a company press release.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that regulates workplace safety, issued $26,850 in penalties this year against Qualawash Holdings Inc. for four violations of safety rules at the site. Full details of the inspection weren’t available Saturday, but OSHA found problems with hazard communications at the company, and employees working in confined spaces.

The company resolved the penalties in settlements with OSHA.