Texas City BP plant loses power, issues shelter-in-place alert

Credit: Mary Barr / KHOU 11 News Viewer

From Mary: They have at least 8 burners going full out. They say the power is out...? Looks lit up out there to me!

by khou.com staff khou.com

Posted on April 25, 2011 at 11:42 PM

Updated yesterday at 12:57 AM

HOUSTON – A shelter-in-place alert was issued Monday after the Texas City BP Plant lost power, city officials said.

Texas City officials sent out an automated message saying that the BP plant declared a Level 3 emergency and that more updates would be issued as soon as possible.

When the plant loses power they have to burn off their excess product in order to prevent any buildup that could cause an explosion, said TJ Aulds, with the Galveston County Daily News.  He said all the flares at the BP plant were going off at once.

There was no word on what caused the power outage.

Some residents complained of the smell on the KHOU 11 News Facebook page.

“The smell is very strong! My eyes are burning & my stomach is soured. The strong winds are not helping AT ALL!” one woman wrote.

Residents were advised to close their doors and windows and turn off their air conditioners until the situation was under control. 

Stay with KHOU 11 News for the latest in this developing story.