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Family of victim files $1M lawsuit over deadly gas leak at Deer Park refinery

Oct. 10, 2024: Multiple ambulances and first responders at the Pemex plant in Deer Park where two people were killed and 35 treated after a hydrogen sulfide leak. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

DEER PARK, Texas – A joint lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the family of Jose Wilfredo Perez Jr., a contractor who died in a fatal hydrogen sulfide gas release at the PEMEX Deer Park refinery on Oct. 10.

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The incident, which took place at around 4:20 p.m. at the refinery, located at 5900 Highway 225 in Deer Park, involved a release of toxic and flammable gases, including hydrogen sulfide, which exposed dozens of workers to severe health risks.

The refinery processes crude oil into various fuels.

According to the lawsuit, the gas leak originated in units ARU 6 and 7, where it spread into nearby areas.

Perez, who was positioned in the SR8 unit, was exposed to the hazardous gas, which ultimately led to his death. A shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby Deer Park and Pasadena residents following the release, which also resulted in life-threatening injuries for several other workers.

The lawsuit alleges negligence and gross negligence on the part of the defendants, citing failures in safety protocols, inadequate alarms, and delays in alerting workers to the release.

“The failure to implement and enforce stringent safety protocols has led to preventable and devastating losses,” said Houston attorney Benny Agosto Jr. “Jose Wilfredo Perez, Jr. was a vibrant young man, only 28 years old, with a bright future ahead of him. This incident has permanently deprived his family of a beloved son, husband, and family member.”

Seeking damages of at least $1 million, the suit claims premises liability, wrongful death, and other grievances, alleging that the defendants allowed the hazardous release to occur without timely warnings, placing numerous individuals at risk.

This case brings further scrutiny to industrial safety practices, particularly in facilities handling highly toxic substances like hydrogen sulfide, known for its potential to cause severe injuries and fatalities upon exposure.


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