Ten Harris County deputies were exposed to a 'non-toxic irritant' after a release of pressure from multiple small containers holding chemicals at the Arkema plant in Crosby.
The incident was first reported by emergency officials as two explosions. Law enforcement later began referring to the situation as containers popping, spewing black smoke, and being on fire.
Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations Bob Royall explained in a press briefing that these were expected reactions that would lead to fires burning until the organic peroxide in the containers burned out.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez explained that a number of deputies were in the area establishing a perimeter when the situation unfolded. He said 10-15 people, including deputies and personnel from the EMS provider, went to the hospital as a precaution. All were released from the hospital by 9 a.m.