website analytics software U.S Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Website - COMPLETED INVESTIGATIONS
Spacer
HOME
ABOUT THE CSB
MISSION & HISTORY
BOARD MEMBERS
CONTACT INFORMATION
LEGAL AFFAIRS / FOIA READING ROOM
PRIVACY STATEMENT
NO FEAR ACT
CSB REPORTS
CURRENT INVESTIGATIONS
COMPLETED INVESTIGATIONS
INVESTIGATION DIGESTS
SAFETY PUBLICATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
VIDEO ROOM
Watch Videos
Safety Messages
Request DVD
Leave Feedack
NEWSROOM
NEWS RELEASES
MEDIA RESOURCES
INCIDENT NEWS REPORTS
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
EN ESPAÑOL
Safety Videos | Safety Messages | Sign up icon Subscribe | Blog | Search ico Search | Printer icon Print | Email icon Email Page
CSB  INVESTIGATION INFORMATION PAGE
Marcus Oil and Chemical Tank Explosion
Houston, TX, December 3, 2004
Marcus Oil and Chemical Tank Explosion

Click here for Recommendations Information Page
Incident Description
On the evening of December 3, a storage tank failed catastrophically at the Marcus Oil and Chemical polyethylene wax facility in Houston. The blast, which was felt up to 20 miles from the plant site, ignited large fires that burned for several hours, and two firefighters were injured during the emergency response. Off-site buildings near the facility - including two churches, a house, and a social club - exhibited structural damage, such as broken windows and cracked walls.

Investigation Status
The CSB issued a case study report on this incident at a news conference in Houston on June 6, 2006.

Reports Marcus Oil and Chemical Case Study
News Releases News Release June 6, 2006 - Final Report from U.S. Chemical Safety Board on 2004 Explosion Calls on Houston to Enact Stricter Pressure Vessel Regulations
News Releases News Release March 4, 2005 - Board Pursues Testing of Equipment Involved in Dec. 3 Marcus Oil and Chemical Accident
News Releases News Release December 10, 2004 - Board to Conduct Full Investigation of Tank Explosion at Marcus Oil and Chemical
News Releases News Release December 3, 2004 - CSB Team Heading to Houston Explosion Site