At Least Six Injured, Four Still Missing After Explosion at Port of Corpus Christi
Rescue workers are searching for four missing people following an explosion and fire that occurred at the Port of Corpus Christi Friday morning. At least six other people were injured in the explosion.
Multiple People Ended Up in the Water Following Explosion
According to KRIS-TV, the explosion occurred just after 8:05 am near I-35, Lantana Street, and Navigation Boulevard. Early reports suggest a dredging vessel hit a natural gas pipe line, sparking the explosion and fire.
Six people were hospitalized following the incident. CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline confirmed they were treating four patients while two others were flown to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
Official say multiple people ended up in the water as a result of the explosion and that four crew members of the dredging vessel Waymon L. Boyd are still missing. Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb said there is a search and rescue operation for the four missing workers.
Explosion Could Cause Issues with Air Quality in Surrounding Areas
According to ABC News, Corpus Christi Fire Department Chief Robert Rocha confirmed the presence of heavy fire and smoke conditions. While the supply line feeding the fire has been shut off, there is still a chance the resulting smoke could compromise air quality in the surrounding area.
Roche added that most of the smoke was blowing into a rural area rather than the city.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement to say the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring the air quality in and around Corpus Christi.
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Seamen and maritime workers have special rights under federal law, including the ability to sue an employer or the ship’s owner for negligence under the Jones Act. Under the Jones Act, the burden of proof is much lower, meaning victims whose injuries were at all caused by the negligence of the employer may be entitled to compensation; however, for your claim to be successful, you need an attorney who understands maritime law and the Jones Act.
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