Port Arthur firefighters responded to a carbon monoxide leak at JBS Packing, a shrimp packing facility at 111 Houston Ave near the port, around 2:00 p.m., where 20 workers were hospitalized due to exposure. Some workers required advanced treatment, including hyperbaric chamber therapy, indicating the severity of the incident. Interim Fire Chief Robert Havens noted that initial investigations considered a freon or carbon monoxide leak, with carbon monoxide later confirmed as the cause. Firefighters worked diligently to identify the leak’s source, managing a hazardous situation that disrupted operations and raised significant safety concerns in the industrial facility.
This incident follows a series of carbon monoxide-related events, including a recent Apollo America detector recall and a tragic family death in Mexico, highlighting the persistent dangers of this odorless gas. The Port Arthur event has sparked discussions about the need for robust safety measures, such as reliable carbon monoxide detectors and improved ventilation in workplaces. The community has expressed support for the affected workers, while authorities continue to investigate the leak’s cause to prevent future incidents.