Indorama releases statement: 2 suffer minor injuries when lightning hits ethylene cracker

SULPHUR, La. (KPLC) - Two people suffered minor injuries when lightning struck Indorama’s ethylene cracker Saturday morning, plant officials said.

The lightning strike at 8:30 a.m. resulted in a plant trip and subsequent flaring, according to a statement from Indorama. The plant is currently offline.

Smoke from the flare could be seen until around 2:30 p.m.

The two workers injured were evaluated and released from a local hospital.

Full statement from Indorama:

At approximately 8:30 a.m., lightning struck our ethylene cracker resulting in a plant trip and subsequent flaring. Two associates reported minor injuries. These associates were evaluated and released from the local hospital. The event is fully contained, but the plant is currently offline. We are conducting an investigation and assessment of the damage to our operating facility.

Company officials promptly notified the Office of Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and other local and state regulatory agencies regarding the incident.

Indorama appreciates the patience and support of the local community. We encourage the public to utilize its hotline at (337) 502-4754 for up-to-date information regarding this incident.

Copyright 2020 KPLC. All rights reserved.