Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
Incident Case Number: 1904-00005 Reporting Agency: Harris County Fire Print Date/Time: 01/22/2020 08:33:28
Disclaimer: The information contained within this report is reflective of the investigation at the date and time of its printing.
Page 1
INCIDENT/INVESTIGATION
Agency Name
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office I N C I D E N T D A T A
ORI
REPORT
04/02/2019 11:10 Tue Last Known Secure
Location of Incident
16503 Ramsey Rd, Crosby TX 77532-
CS60, 302
Industrial Site ( Com )
Fire (accidental) NR-000016 (
)
(
)
Exit
Activity Exit
Security Activity
Weapon / Tools Exit
Security
Premise Type/Manufacturing firm Type: BUSINESS # of Victims 3 Victim/Business Name (Last, First, Middle)
Injury: Victim of Crime #
V1 KMCO, LLC
1
DOB
Race Sex Relationship Resident Status Military To Offender Branch/Status
Age
1RU
Home Address
Home Phone
16503 RAMSEY RD , Crosby, TX 77532Employer Name/Address
Business Phone
Mobile Phone
281-328-0212 VYR
O T H E R S
Security
Weapon / Tools
Entry
V I C T I M
04/02/2019 11:10 Tue Activity
Entry Crime Incident
04/02/2019 11:10 Tue At Found
Weapon / Tools Entry
Crime Incident
#2
Beat/ConstDist
Premise Type
Crime Incident(s)
#1
1904-00005
Date / Time Reported
TX 1015600
#3
MO
Case#
Make
Model
Style
Color
CODES: V- Victim (Denote V2, V3) O = Owner (if other than victim) Type: INDIVIDUAL Code Name (Last, First, Middle)
Lic/Lis
R = Reporting Person (if other than victim)
FOLEY, JOHN
V2
VIN
Injury: Victim of Crime #
1,
DOB Age
56
Race Sex Relationship Resident Status Military To Offender Branch/Status
W
M 1RU
Home Address
Resident Home Phone
Business Phone I N V O L V E D
KMCO, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532 (CEO) Type: INDIVIDUAL Code Name (Last, First, Middle)
Injury: Victim of Crime #
MANGUM, JAMES
V3
Mobile Phone
281-328-0228
1,
DOB Age
27
Race Sex Relationship Resident Status Military To Offender Branch/Status
W
M
Non-Resident Home Phone
Employer Name/Address
Business Phone
Mobile Phone
KMCO, 16503 Ramsey Rd 1 = None
2 = Burned
Status VI # Code Frm/To 1
32
2
3 = Counterfeit / Forged 4 = Damaged / Vandalized ("OJ" = Recovered for Other Jurisdiction)
Value $2,600,000
OJ QTY 1
5 = Recovered
6 = Seized
Property Description
7 = Stolen 8 = Unknown Make/Model
Serial Number
INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING
P R O P E R T Y
Officer/ID# Invest ID#
PULLEY, K. (FINV, FINV) (F09158) PULLEY, K. (FINV, FINV) (F09158)
Status Complainant Signature R_CS1IBR
Case Status
Closed Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
Supervisor
04/02/2019
WESTON, M. (FINV, FINV) (F09040)
Case Disposition:
Not Applicable (not Sys#: 2292390
01/18/2020
Page 2 01/22/2020 08:33
Incident Report Additional Name List OCA: 1904-00005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Additional Name List
Name Code/#
1 ) WI
5
Victim of Crime #
Name (Last, First, Middle)
MOLINARO, ERIN ANNE
6
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
NGUYEN, JENNA T
7
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
HEMBLING, RAYMOND P
9
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
BRADLEY, NATHAN WILBURN
10
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
TERHUNE, KEITH BLAIR
11
Kmco
B:
CAMPOS, BRANDON
12
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
THARP, TONY A
13
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
VERRETT, STEVEN SHAW
281-328-3501 832-561-8270 61
Address Empl/Addr
W M
H:
Mobile #:
8 ) WI
281-328-3501 - 34
Address Empl/Addr
W M
H:
Mobile #:
7 ) WI
281-328-3501 - 23
Address Empl/Addr
W M
H:
Mobile #:
6 ) WI
281-328-3501 - 51
Address Empl/Addr
W M
H:
Mobile #:
5 ) WI
281-328-3501 - 51
Address Empl/Addr
W M
H:
Mobile #:
4 ) WI
F
281-328-3501 - 55
Address Empl/Addr
A
H:
Mobile #:
3 ) WI
F
281-328-3501 - 51
Address Empl/Addr
B
H:
Mobile #:
2 ) WI
Age Race Sex
27
Address Empl/Addr
DOB
B
M
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
281-328-3501
Mobile #:
9 ) WI
14
GREATHOUSE, MARGARET COKER
58
Address Empl/Addr
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B: Mobile #:
R_CS7NC
W
F
H:
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
281-328-3501 - -
Page 3
Incident Report Additional Name List OCA: 1904-00005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Additional Name List
Name Code/#
10 ) WI
15
Victim of Crime #
Name (Last, First, Middle)
45
16
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
24
17
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
45
18
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
39
3
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
57
4
Specialized Waste Systems, 403 W Brentwood St Channelview, Tx 77530
B:
M
281-452-1735 - -
WATSON, CEDRIC LAMONT
Address Empl/Addr
B
H:
Mobile #:
15 ) WI
281-328-3501 - -
CRAWFORD, BOYD
Address Empl/Addr
W M
H:
Mobile #:
14 ) WI
M
281-328-3501 - -
MISER, TIMOTHY CHRISTOPHER
Address Empl/Addr
B
H:
Mobile #:
13 ) WI
281-328-3501 - -
ALLEN, CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE
Address Empl/Addr
W M
H:
Mobile #:
12 ) WI
F
281-328-3501 - -
COPELAND, DAVID ALLEN
Address Empl/Addr
W
H:
Mobile #:
11 ) WI
Age Race Sex
BERGERON, RANDELL JR
Address Empl/Addr
DOB
45
B
M
24
W
F
H:
Slay
B:
- -
Mobile #:
16 ) WI
8
BAIAMONTE, ARISSA NICOLE
Address Empl/Addr
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B: Mobile #:
17 ) WI
2
GEORGE, KIMBERLY ANN
42
Address Empl/Addr
1
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
F
281-328-3501 - -
WALLACE, MATTHEW EDWARD
44
Address Empl/Addr
W
H:
Mobile #:
18 ) WI
281-328-3501 - -
W M
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd Crosby, Tx 77532
B:
- -
Mobile #:
R_CS7NC
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
Page 4
Incident Report Additional Name List OCA: 1904-00005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Additional Name List
Name Code/#
19 ) WI
21
Victim of Crime #
Name (Last, First, Middle)
22
Kmco
B:
23
Kmco
B:
W M
47
B
M
41
B
F
34
W M
29
W M
48
B
M
52
B
M
26
W M
- - -
TOMPKINS, ERIC
Address Empl/Addr
53 H:
Mobile #:
21 ) WI
W M
- - -
LOWRY, MICHAEL KENNETH
Address Empl/Addr
45 H:
Mobile #:
20 ) WI
Age Race Sex
KAULEN, MARK A
Address Empl/Addr
DOB
H:
Kmco
B:
- -
Mobile #:
22 ) WI
19
MASON, LAKESHA ANN
Address Empl/Addr
H:
Tpis
B: Mobile #:
23 ) WI
20
JUSTUS, NICHOLAS BRANCH
Address Empl/Addr
- - -
H:
Kmco
B:
- - -
Mobile #:
24 ) WI
25
BISHOP, ETHAN
Address Empl/Addr
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd, Crosby, Tx 77532
B: Mobile #:
25 ) WI
26
VANCOURT, LYLE G
Address
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
26 ) WI
27
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B: Mobile #:
27 ) WI
28
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B: Mobile #:
R_CS7NC
- - -
CRUZ, ROBERT
Address Empl/Addr
- - -
JACQUET, OSWALD
Address Empl/Addr
- - -
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
- - -
Page 5
Incident Report Additional Name List OCA: 1904-00005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Additional Name List
Name Code/#
28 ) WI
29
Victim of Crime #
Name (Last, First, Middle)
32
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B:
24
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B:
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
30
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
31
B:
B: Mobile #:
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
42
51
W M
61
W M
44
W M
- - -
HOLLAWAY, STEVEN
Address
36 ) WI
W M
- - -
CLEMENTS, JAMES WINSTON
Address
41
63 H:
Empl/Addr
35 ) WI
- - -
CABRERA, EDUARDO
Address
40
W M
H:
Mobile #:
34 ) WI
44
M
25
Empl/Addr
39
B
- - -
BARRAERA, JOEL
Address
33 ) WI
61 - - -
WHITE, JASON ERIC
Address
32 ) WI
W M
- - -
VERRETT, STEPHEN
Address
31 ) WI
35 H:
Mobile #:
30 ) WI
M
- - -
WILLIAMS, MARK DAVID
Address Empl/Addr
35 H:
Mobile #:
29 ) WI
Age Race Sex
MCINTYRE, CURTIS WAYNE
Address Empl/Addr
DOB
- - -
MCMULLAN, DANNY JOE
Address
H:
Empl/Addr
B:
- -
Mobile #:
R_CS7NC
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
Page 6
Incident Report Additional Name List OCA: 1904-00005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Additional Name List
Name Code/#
37 ) WI
43
Victim of Crime #
Name (Last, First, Middle)
DOB
CURRY, DARIN
33
Address
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
38 ) WI
44
37 H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
45
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
46
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
47
B: Mobile #:
48
B: Mobile #:
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
50
F
37
B
M
46
W M
62
B
M
34
W
F
53
W M
- - -
SMITH, DWIGHT
Address
44 ) WI
W
H:
Empl/Addr
49
42
- - -
MATA, HECTOR ARTURO
Address
43 ) WI
M
H:
Empl/Addr
42 ) WI
A
- - -
HAMILTON, MARCUS
Address
51 - - -
DAVIS, MELISSA RENEA
Address
41 ) WI
- - -
VILLEGAS, RAUL
Address
40 ) WI
W M
- - -
PETERSON, ALAN WILLIAM
Address
39 ) WI
Age Race Sex
- - -
GALLOWAY, AMANDA
Address
H:
Empl/Addr
B:
- - -
Mobile #:
45 ) WI
51
ARMENTA, JOSE J
Address
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
R_CS7NC
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
- - -
Page 7
Incident Report Additional Name List OCA: 1904-00005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Additional Name List
Name Code/#
46 ) WI
52
Victim of Crime #
Name (Last, First, Middle)
DOB
Age Race Sex
TULLOS, JONATHAN
Address
H:
Empl/Addr
B:
33
W M
30
B
54
W M
44
W
40
W M
- -
Mobile #:
47 ) WI
53
RYANS, JAMARCUS TERRELL
Address
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
48 ) WI
54
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
49 ) WI
55
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
56
H: B:
Empl/Addr
Mobile #:
57
30 H: B:
Empl/Addr
Mobile #:
58
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
59
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
60
Empl/Addr
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B: Mobile #:
R_CS7NC
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
W M
43
W M
34
W M
- - -
LOPEZ SANTOS, RENE
Address
63 - - -
HOLDER, JOSHUA EDWARD
Address
54 ) WI
- - -
CLARK, CHARLES N
Address
53 ) WI
- - -
BAKER, TYLER GREGORY
Address
52 ) WI
F
- - -
CREW, ZACHARY JOSEPH
Address
51 ) WI
- - -
MATA, MARTA MARIA
Address
50 ) WI
- - -
TRISTAN, CHRISTOPHER ALLEN
Address
M
- - - -
Page 8
Incident Report Additional Name List OCA: 1904-00005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Additional Name List
Name Code/#
55 ) WI
61
Victim of Crime #
Name (Last, First, Middle)
30
62
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B:
- - -
MODESTE, OCTAVIAN KEITH
Address Empl/Addr
M
H:
Mobile #:
56 ) WI
Age Race Sex
CORNETT, ROYCE
Address Empl/Addr
DOB
50
B
M
51
W M
48
W M
65
W M
53
M
60
W M
59
M
55
W M
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B:
- -
Mobile #:
57 ) WI
63
ANDREWS, WILLIAM MIKE
Address Empl/Addr
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B: Mobile #:
58 ) WI
64
NASH, WILLIAM FLOYD JR
Address Empl/Addr
- - -
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B:
- -
Mobile #:
59 ) WI
65
SAID, MICHAEL
Address Empl/Addr
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B: Mobile #:
60 ) WI
66
BRUNET, PAUL MARTIN
Address Empl/Addr
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B: Mobile #:
61 ) WI
33
H:
Empl/Addr
B: Mobile #:
34
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B: Mobile #:
63 ) WI
35
- - -
SWINDULL, ALLEN BENJAMEN
Address Empl/Addr
- - - -
HOLLAWAY, JERRY DON
Address Empl/Addr
- - -
CUMMINGS, CLARK E
Address
62 ) WI
- - -
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B:
- - -
Mobile #:
R_CS7NC
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
Page 9
Incident Report Additional Name List OCA: 1904-00005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Additional Name List
Name Code/#
64 ) WI
36
Victim of Crime #
Name (Last, First, Middle)
Age Race Sex
THOMPSON, JUSTIN
Address Empl/Addr
DOB
31
W M
38
W M
50
W
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey
B:
- -
Mobile #:
65 ) WI
37
MCANESPY, MICHAEL E
Address Empl/Addr
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B:
- -
Mobile #:
66 ) WI
38
VYORAL, CHERIE M
Address Empl/Addr
H:
Kmco, 16503 Ramsey Rd
B: Mobile #:
R_CS7NC
F
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
- - -
Page 10
INCIDENT/INVESTIGATION REPORT Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Status Codes
1 = None
2 = Burned
IBR Status
3 = Counterfeit / Forged
Quantity
Case # 4 = Damaged / Vandalized
Type Measure
5 = Recovered
6 = Seized
Suspected Type
1904-00005
7 = Stolen 8 = Unknown Up to 3 types of activity
D R U G S
Assisting Officers
SHAW, C.J. (F09055), LEE, D. (F09043), HARGRAVES, J. (F09168), SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121), SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121), GENNARO, G. (F09167), LOPEZ, G. (F09081), BROWN, R. (F09139), BROWN, R. (F09139), BECK, J. (F09189), Suspect Hate / Bias Motivated:
Narr. (cont.) OCA: 1904-00005
NONE (NO BIAS) INCIDENT/INVESTIGATION REPORT Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
NARRATIVE
Investigators were requested for a fire investigation.
R_CS2IBR
By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001 01/22/2020 08:33
Page 11
REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Victim
OCA 1904-00005
Offense
KMCO, LLC
Date / Time Reported
FIRE (ACCIDENTAL)
Tue 04/02/2019 11:10
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
ASSIGNMENT: On Tuesday April 02, 2019 at 11:02 AM the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office (HCFMO) was dispatched by Cypress Creek Communications Center to a chemical plant fire/explosion at 16503 Ramsey Road in unincorporated Harris County, TX. Crosby Fire Department requested a response from HCFMO HazMat and Investigations Division. I, Investigator K. Pulley (95F32) with the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office responded to the incident and was assigned to be the lead investigator for the origin and cause determination. I was assisted by Assistant Chief R. Reed (953), Deputy Chief C. Shaw (9541), Lieutenant S. Schoonover (95F6), Investigator D. Lee (95F24), Investigator G. Gennaro (95F67), Lieutenant Blount (95P7), Lieutenant Lamont (95P5), Inspector Beck (95P24), Inspector R. Brown (95P21), Safety D. Corbin (95S2), and the Harris County Hazardous Materials Response Team (HCHMRT). I arrived on scene at 11:33 AM and was met by HCFMO Assistant Chief Reed. Chief Reed informed me suppression activities were still underway. Chief Reed advised me to stage at the Knights of Columbus located at 1508 Crosby Dayton Road Crosby, TX 77532. The scene was not safe to enter upon arrival. Initial interviews were conducted on Tuesday April 02, 2019 and Wednesday April 03, 2019. HCFMO Hazardous Materials Team determined the scene safe to enter with proper PPE on Thursday April 04, 2019 to conduct an initial scene examination. The scene was deemed safe to enter on Thursday April 11, 2019 for further investigation and evidence collection. SCENE DESCRIPTION: The scene is chemical processing plant known as KMCO located at 16503 Ramsey Road in unincorporated Harris County, TX. Ramsey Road is a two lane roadway that runs in north and south directions. KMCO sits on the west side of Ramsey Road. The incident scene was concentrated to the area of Reaction 2, around the old control room (#1), Reactors K8 and K9, and the damaged solid flammable storage warehouse. Based on the map provided by KMCO, the concentrated area is centrally located inside the plant facility. This area is just west of the administration buildings and main entry into the plant facility. HCAD Legal Description of the Property: TRS 1 & 1T-1 ABST 770 B F TANKERSLEY Business Owner: KMCO LLC 16503 RAMSEY RD CROSBY TX 77532-5916 The incident occurred during daytime time hours with natural lighting available at the beginning of the investigation. Artificial lighting was used to improve lighting conditions throughout the course of the investigation. The weather was 63 degrees Fahrenheit with 49 percent humidity reported out of George Bush Intercontinental Reporting Officer: PULLEY, K. R_CS3NC
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01/22/2020 08:33
Page 12
REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
OCA 1904-00005
Victim
Offense
KMCO, LLC
Date / Time Reported
FIRE (ACCIDENTAL)
Tue 04/02/2019 11:10
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Airport Station KIAH when the incident occurred. The wind was reported to be variable at 3 mph with partly cloudy conditions. FACILITY DESCRIPTION: KMCO is a fourteen acre facility known as a chemical processing plant, located in unincorporated Harris County, just north of US-90, in Crosby, Texas. The facility sits at the intersection of Ramsey Road and Crosby Dayton Road on the northwest side. KMCO manufactures specialty chemicals, operates tolling facilities, and performs custom processing operations related to the petrochemical industry. The facility has 250 rail storage spaces, over 600 storage tanks, and 28 reactors. KMCO manufactures and produces custom products such as glycol products, antifreeze products, brake fluid products, cement grinding products, and oilfield products. SCENE SAFETY/AIR MONITORING: The HCFMO Hazardous Materials Team conducted air monitoring and safety officer functions during the initial portions of the investigation. The HCHMRT approved entry into the scene for HCFMO Investigators on Thursday April 04, 2019 and Thursday April 11, 2019. Proper personal protective equipment recommended by the HCHMRT was utilized by investigators during the course of the investigation. The HCHMRT provided atmospheric monitoring during the scene investigation to ensure air quality while investigators conducted a scene examination. D. Corbin (95S2) was the assigned HCFMO Safety Officer during the scene examination. US Fire Pump`s provided a rapid intervention team while investigators were conducting their scene examination in the hazardous environment. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS: KMCO is equipped with a facility alarm system; with the primary purpose to put the plant on alert status. The facility alarm system is used during fires, chemical releases, and emergencies to alert KMCO employees, contractors, and the community. The main control for the facility alarm system is located in the Main Control Room. Once an emergency situation has been identified, the IC or the shift supervisor will initiate the corresponding facility alarm system. The alarm will be broadcasted throughout the entire plant facility. See KMCO Emergency Response Plan in the attachments section of this for further details. There is a fire pond located on the far west side of the property behind KMCO`s isobutylene storage tank. The fire pond provides water via an underground piping system to twenty two ground suppression monitors and twelve elevated suppression monitors. The thirty four suppression monitors are spread throughout the facility. These monitors are in place for the event of an emergency. ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF FIRE: The fire origin and cause investigation was conducted utilizing the appropriate use of fire pattern analysis, fire damage and the consideration of witness information and other valuable data, and the scene circumstances. Through eye witness accounts and the scene examination the investigation team determined that the incident occurred when a wye strainer apparatus catastrophically failed, causing a release of Isobutylene into the atmosphere. The wye strainer apparatus that failed was utilized in the Reaction 2 area, Reactor K8 process. The uncontained release of Isobutylene came in contact with an unidentified ignition source causing a rapid ignition and/or Reporting Officer: PULLEY, K. R_CS3NC
Printed By: SSCHOONOVER, 591001
01/22/2020 08:33
Page 13
REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Victim
1904-00005 Offense
KMCO, LLC
OCA Date / Time Reported
FIRE (ACCIDENTAL)
Tue 04/02/2019 11:10
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
deflagration. Isobutylene is a flammable hydrocarbon gas that is compressed to a liquid and often utilized in industrial processes. Isobutylene was the primary product being utilized in the process that occurred in Reactor K8. The inline wye strainer on the process piping for Reactor K8 failed resulting in a significant release of product primarily consisting of Isobutylene. The release of Isobutylene formed a vapor cloud and spread along the ground until it came in contact with an unknown ignition source. The ignition of the vapor cloud resulted in rapid ignition of the vapor causing a deflagration explosion that resulted in the complete destruction of a structure. The structure was known at the facility as Control Room 1. Solid flammable products in an open warehouse to the north of the Reactor K8 area was ignited during the deflagration. It should be noted that what is referred to as Control Room 1 was no longer being utilized as a control room but did still contain energized electrical contacts, breakers, and other components utilized by the processes in the plant. A detailed scene examination was delayed due to the hazardous condition and uncontained chemicals in the scene. Investigators conducted multiple interviews prior to the scene examination. The interviews were conducted with plant employees that reported to know the processes of the plant, contractors that work in the plant, and eye witnesses to the events that occurred prior to the incident. Through these interviews investigators learned that all witnesses to this incident saw what appeared to be a chemical release under the area of Reactors K8 and K9. The size of the leak began small but expanded rapidly into a large vapor cloud moving throughout the plant. According to witnesses, plant workers responded to the area and notified occupants of the plant. These same employees began opening valves to initiate the fire suppression monitors to try and dissipate the vapor cloud as well as dawning self-contained breathing apparatuses to begin isolating valves to remediate the release. Most witnesses interviewed reported, that shortly after the employees began to respond to the release, they heard what they believed to be an explosion. Once entry to the plant was approved by the HCFMO Hazardous Materials Team, on Thursday April 11, 2019, a thorough scene examination was conducted along with photo and video documentation. The scene examination focused on the area of Reaction 2, around the old control room (#1), Reactors K8 and K9, and the damaged solid flammable storage warehouse. These areas sustained the most significant fire damage from this incident. Through the scene examination the investigation team determined that an inline wye strainer on the process lines of Reactor K8 had a large section of cast iron missing from the west side. The section of cast iron was located approximately 13 feet to the west of the Reactor K8 area. After the initial examination and documentation of the incident scene the wye strainer was removed from the process piping and further examined. The removal of the wye strainer was necessary to fully examine and document the damage to the wye strainer. Removal of the wye strainer enabled investigators to examine portions of the wye strainer that could not be seen in place. Investigators were able to observe a hole in the wye strainer measuring approximately two and a half inches by five inches. According to interviews with engineers that work for KMCO, the wye strainer is only utilized when a process is put into place to catch any impurities from the construction of the process piping but is generally removed on clean processes, a short time after start up. It was unclear the purpose of this wye strainer in this process. The wye strainer was constructed of cast iron but most of the other parts of the process piping is stainless steel. Information received from the company pursuant to a subpoena, labeled API 570 Inspection Report, Circuit K8-PIP-005, dated 10/15/2018, recommended replacing cast iron materials to stainless steel. INJURIES OR FATALITIES: See Lieutenant S. Schoonover (95F6), Investigator G. Gennaro`s (95F67), and other supplements for details on Reporting Officer: PULLEY, K. R_CS3NC
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REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Victim
1904-00005 Offense
KMCO, LLC
OCA Date / Time Reported
FIRE (ACCIDENTAL)
Tue 04/02/2019 11:10
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injuries and the fatality. SCENE DOCUMENTATION: Chief C. Shaw (9541) documented the scene with a series of still color images using his Harris County issued Canon EOS digital SLR camera. The images were captured directly to an internal memory card and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Lieutenant S. Schoonover (95F6) documented the scene with a Harris County issued GoPro. The video was captured directly to an internal memory card and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Houston Fire Department documented portions of the scene with digital images captured with a department issued unmanned aerial vehicle. Harris County Precinct One Constable`s Office documented portions of the scene with digital images captured with a department issued unmanned aerial vehicle. EVIDENCE: See HCFMO Chief C. Shaw`s (9541) supplement regarding evidence collection. INTERVIEWS: Interviews were audio recorded with Investigator K. Pulley`s (95F32) Harris County issued Olympus VP-10 audio recorder and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. See supplements for interview synopsis. SUMMARY: The release of and subsequent ignition of Isobutylene at the KMCO facility the morning of Tuesday April 02, 2019 was due to a breach in the process lines of Reactor K8. The breach occurred in a cast iron wye strainer resulting in a hole in the wye strainer measuring approximately two and a half inches by five inches. The uncontained release of Isobutylene came in contact with an unidentified ignition source causing a rapid ignition and/or deflagration. The breach appears to have occurred as a result of a catastrophic failure in the cast iron material. No signs of foul play and or malicious intent were discovered by investigators during the course of the investigation. A determination regarding how and or "why" the cast iron failed was not fully developed or tested by the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office although the event is classified as accidental. The community impact requires that interested parties undertake any additional and relevant testing deemed necessary as it relates to the civil impacts of the incident.
Reporting Officer: PULLEY, K. R_CS3NC
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Incident Report Related Property List OCA: 1904-00005
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1
Property Description
Make
Model
Caliber
INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING Color
Serial No.
Value
Qty
$2, 600, 000.00 Status
Date
Burned
NIC #
State #
Unit
Jurisdiction
1.000
Locally
Local #
OAN
04/02/2019
Name (Last, First, Middle)
DOB
Age
Race
Sex
Kmco, Llc, Notes
R_CS0IBR
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 11:12:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 05/12/2019 09:28:55, Sunday Reference: Follow-up
On 04/02/2019 at 11:12, Lt. Schoonover responded to reports of an explosion with injuries at KMCO, 16503 Ramsey Road. While en route, dispatch advised that there were two patients being transported by Life Flight and 1 person missing. Lt Schoonover had Investigator Pulley respond to the scene and had Investigator Gennaro respond to Hermann Hospital. See Investigator Gennaro`s supplement for information on the patients transported to the hospital. Lt. Schoonover was directed by Chief Reed to stage in the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 1508 Crosby Dayton. Lt. Schoonover arrived on scene and checked in with Incident Command. There was heavy black smoke coming from the plant. Entry was not able to be made by investigators due to the amount of fire coming from the plant. Chief Reed advised the Knights of Columbus Hall was open and that the command post would move there. Lt. Schoonover sent Investigator Pulley, Investigator Lee, Inspector Brown, Lt. Lamont, Lt. Blount and Inspector Beck to the Knights of Columbus Hall to begin interviews. Lt. Schoonover was staged at Crosby Dayton and Ramsey Road sending employees in the area to the command post. Lt. Schoonover was notified by Harris County ESD 5, that one male was located and found deceased near gate 4. EMS advised the time of DOA was 12:07. Lt. Schoonover contacted the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science at 14:19. Lt. Schoonover spoke with Investigator Trevino and advised her that the male has not been observed by investigators due to the unsafe scene conditions. Investigator Trevino stated that they would not respond until the scene was safe to enter. Lt. Schoonover went to the command post and met with the lead attorney for KMCO, Eddie Lewis. Eddie stated that they would like to have an attorney present during all the interviews. Investigator Pulley, Lee, and Inspector Brown conducted interviews with multiple employees and witnesses. See their supplements for details. At approximately 1630, Lt. Schoonover, Chief Reed, and Chief Shaw met with Hazmat to discuss the logistics of removing the deceased from the hazard area. Hazmat advised that the male needed to be decon`d before the ME`s Office could take possession. Hazmat and Incident Command advised that it was safe to make entry to the area where the body was. Lt. Schoonover contacted Investigator Trevino and advised her of the situation. Investigator Trevino stated that the deceased needed to be removed and decon`d prior to their arrival. Investigator Schoonover advised Investigator Trevino that they could start responding to the scene at 17:06. At 17:10 Lt. Schoonover was directed to gate 4 which is on Ramsey Road. Just inside gate 4 was a motorized utility cart in which the deceased was laying on, covered with a tarp. Lt. Schoonover took photographs prior to anyone removing the tarp or removing the deceased. Photographs were taken prior to removal, during removal,
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136)
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 11:12:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 05/12/2019 09:28:55, Sunday
Contact:
Reference: Follow-up
during decon, and after decon. All photographs have been transfered from the SD card to the Foray System at the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office. Photographs were taken with a Canon Rebel digital camera. The decon area was set up in the front parking lot of KMCO. The decon area was set up in order to prevent other responders or workers from observing. Harris County Hazmat set up the decon area and was going to decon. Hazmat Tech Meehan and Garza were going to decon with assistance from Chief Shaw. Once decon was set up, the process of removing the deceased began. The timeline for the events is as followed: Initial Photographs prior to removal started at 17:42. Decon area was set up at 17:53. The tarp was removed from deceased at 18:03 The deceased was placed in a stokes basket at 18:06 The deceased was carried and arrived at decon at 18:09 Decon process started at 18:13 Clothes were removed and bagged at 18:18 Decon continued with water and brushes at 18:22 The decon process concluded at approximately 18:40 Investigator Trevino arrived on scene at 18:35. The deceased was found with a Scott Airpack partially on his back, pants were around his legs, and shirt was lifted up. The position of the clothing is because of the extraction from other fire crews and the patient assessment by EMS personnel at the time he was located. The airpack waist strap was still latched around his abdomen area. Boots were on the feet. The mask for the SCBA was latched to the regulator of the airpack. Once the photographs were taken of the deceased in place, a group from the KMCO Emergency Response Team assisting in moving him to the decon area. The ERT members were Curtis McIntyre, Joel Barrarea, Robert Cruz, Oswald Jacquet Jr, and Lyle VanCourt. The deceased was moved to the stokes basket, in which more photographs were taken, and carried to the decon area. Hazmat techs Garza and Meehan with Chief Shaw decon`d the deceased. A Texas drivers license and social security card were found and photographed. The males ID showed James Earl Magnum, date of birth Lt. Schoonover took photographs of the Scott SCBA. The mask was still attached to the regulator. The mask netting that is for the head was ripped. The face piece was intact. The gauge on the airpack strap and the gauge on the bottle show that 0 PSI of pressure is in the SCBA bottle. The airpack was documented with photographs. Chief Shaw collected the airpack and mask, see his supplement for more details. The body car left the scene at 1901 with the deceased.
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 11:12:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 05/12/2019 09:28:55, Sunday Reference: Follow-up
Lt. Schoonover and Investigator Trevino went back to the KC hall to exchange information. The ME case number is ML19-1113. Investigator Schoonover provided Investigator Trevino a copy of the photographs taken prior to removal and during the decon so it could assist in the autopsy and her report. At 1930, Lt. Schoonover had recieved a subpoena from Chief Shaw to serve to KMCO. Lt. Schoonover served the subpoena to Eddie Lewis, the attorney for KMCO and KMCO CEO John Foley. The subpoena has been placed in the attachments section of this report. Chief Shaw and Lt. Schoonover spoke with Chief White with Crosby Fire Department. They were going to be in emergency operations for the rest of the night and through the next day. It was night fall, and no more action was able to be taken at this time. All HCFMO units cleared the scene for the night while Crosby Fire was still maintain scene control with emergency operations. END OF SUPPLEMENT SDS - 95F6
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BROWN, R. (F09139) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136)
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 11:38:37, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 09/04/2019 11:47:01, Wednesday
Contact:
Reference: Follow Up Supplement
On April 2, 2019 at approximately 1130 hours I, Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Brown, was dispatch to KMCO Custom Chemical Processing located at 16505 Ramsey Rd in Harris County TX, in reference to a plant explosion. Upon my arrival, I was assign the task of obtaining statements from plant personnel. All interviews were audio recorded and copies of recordings were downloaded into the Foray system at the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office. Below are briefs of the recordings: Willing Mike Andrews: Maintenance Supervisor DL DOB Phone: Andrews stated he smelled something while working around K10. About the same time he smelled this he heard something over radio about a leak and started to evacuate west through units heading for gate 1. He said he saw a cloud on the ground when he first smelled something and ran the other way. During his evacuation to gate 1 he ran across multiple people and assisted them I evacuating to gate 1. During the evacuation to gate one he heard the explosion and continued to gate 1 and ending up at rally point 4 across the street from the office building. Before the explosion he stated it was a normal day nothing out of ordinary. Clark Cummings: Operations Manager L DOB Phone: Cumings stated he was in Admin building 3 when M. Wallace advised him there was a leak and to shelter in place. Cumings went to shut down the A/C unit in the Admin 3 building when he heard the explosion. He then went back to his office, grabbed some personal items and headed for the rally point across the street. When he arrived at rally point he started a head count for accountability. During the head count he look towards gate 4 and saw "Joe" who he stated was "badly burned on legs and face". He stated he try to help "Joe" but then left "Joe" with "Nathan". He then went behind the change house to get away from other smaller explosions. He stated he heard 1 large explosion and 3 or 4 smaller one the saw the Warehouse start to burn. Paul Martin Brunet: Process Chemist, Reactor 1 DL DOB Phone: Brunet stated he was walking out of the shipping gate (by Admin building 2) when he heard the explosion. He advise he did not smell anything before the explosion. After hearing the explosion, Brunet advised he went to his
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BROWN, R. (F09139) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136)
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 11:38:37, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 09/04/2019 11:47:01, Wednesday
Contact:
Reference: Follow Up Supplement
car, left and went to get lunch. After having lunch Brunet advised he called a friend back at the plant who advised him he need to return to the plant. Michael Hoachin Said: Process Chemist, Reactor 2 DL DOB
Said stated he was in Admin building 3 when Billy Nash came to his office and advised him to shut down A/C system because there was a leak in Reactor K-8. While walking down the hall to turn off A/C he heard the explosion. He advise he went out the front door to the parking lot where he found other employees who he gave a ride to the gas station. He advised he stayed at the gas station until he received an email advising him to return to the plant. He advised prior to the Nash advising him to turn of the A/C he did not know there were problems in the plant. Mark David Williams: Maintenance Mechanic L DOB 1701 E Harris, Pasadena TX 77506 Phone: Williams stated he was in the maintenance shop when he heard "Nick Justus" on the radio advising to "stay out of Reactor 2 area". He advise that when he went outside to see what was happening he saw M Wallis running but saw nothing else. He left the maintenance shop and went to Gate 5, then across the street outside of Gate 5. He advised, not remembering how he heard, that the "EO Tank" was smoking. He then left the gate 5 area , moving to a rally point, when he said he saw "Joe" standing in the street with other people "badly burned> Jerry Don Hollaway: Maintenance DL DOB Phone: Hollaway stated he was in the area of K-11 looking at a job when his combustion meter started to alarm. He advised he smelled something and walked toward the shop. While on way to the shop he saw "Mat" who told him to "get out of the area". When he got to the shop he was told to leave the shop. He said that he had exited the shop and while on the south-west side of the shop he saw and heard the explosion. He then exited the plant through Gate 8. While exiting out of Gate 8 he heard 3 or 4 smaller explosions and kept walking. Rene Lopez: Millwright
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BROWN, R. (F09139) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136) Contact:
DL
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 11:38:37, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 09/04/2019 11:47:01, Wednesday Reference: Follow Up Supplement
DOB
Phone: Lopez stated he was in the K-11 area getting a permit to work. He advised he saw people running and heard on the radio to get out of area. He advised he did smell something "sweet" in the air as he ran to the gate but saw nothing. He stated he heard a large explosion followed by 2 smaller explosions while evacuating the area. Allen Benjamen Swindull: Instrumentation & Electrical Supervisor DL DOB Phone: Swindull stated he was in Admin building 3 when he heard "plant alarm" via radio advising of leak. He advised he went to shop then outside to "rally point 4".He then went back into plant to kill power to all K units then returned to "rally point 4". He advised he the reentered the plant to kill power to the "MCC" (boiler and utilities) and went back out to "rally point 4". He stated that he then reentered plant to kill power to the rest of the plant. Royce Cornett: Operator Distillation 1 (D1) L DOB Phone: Cornett stated he was in Distillation 1 when he heard on the radio there was a gas leak. He proceeded to stop contractors from working in the D1 area when the explosion happened. He then evacuated to gate 1. Someone contacted him to reenter plant to shut down Natural Gas in the Distillation 2 unit. After shutting down Natural Gas to the Distillation 2 unit he evacuated to rally point 4. He advised that while he was at rally point 4 he saw "Nick" sitting in a chair and "Joe" being loaded into an ambulance. Justin Thomson: Maintenance Planner DL DOB
Thompson stated the he was in the office of the maintenance shop when he heard on the radio there was a leak. The left the building via the back door and was headed to gate 8 when he heard the explosion. He advised he did not hear, smell or see anything prior to the explosion. He then went to rally point 4.
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BROWN, R. (F09139) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136)
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 11:38:37, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 09/04/2019 11:47:01, Wednesday
Contact:
Reference: Follow Up Supplement
Octavian Keith Modeste: Electrical Technician L DOB Phone: Modeste stated he was in the K-10 area to shut down some equipment for maintenance. He advised he was approached by an unknown female contactor who told him she heard a "bang" in the area they were in. He advised that at that time he saw a "cloud" in the K-8 area and proceeded to, over the radio, call in the leak and start an evacuation of the area. He advised at that time he heard someone say to run. He started running toward the warehouse just pass the boiler house when he heard the explosion. Upon reaching gate 8 he was called via radio by his supervisor and advised to report to rally point 4 (RP4). When he arrived at RP4 he "suited up" and going back into plant 2 separate times to help isolate electrical power to plant. Cherie Mishaelle Vyoral: Truck Scheduler DL DOB Phone: Vyoral stated she was in her office next to the Admin buildings by the truck scales when she heard, over the radio, there was a leak. She was advised to shelter in place. She advised she looked out of her window towards tank 1342 and saw "a pipe with fire coming out of the end". She advised shortly after that she heard the explosion. She evacuated the building, left the plant and went home. She was called and ask to come back to the plan. William Floyd Nash: Operations Supervisor DL DOB Phone Nash stated he was in Reaction Control Room when someone said there was a "cloud" around K-8. He went outside to the "13 tank farm", looked down the street and saw a cloud in the area of k-8 and k/9. He advised he went to the Admin building and told then to evacuate. He then went back outside and was passing a trailer parked to the end of the Admin building when the explosion happened. He advised while leaving area by truck scales he saw "Nick" who was badly burned and help evacuate him. He advised he them went back and started to start dike up ditches to stop run off from plant. Michael Eugene Mcanespy: Drop Trailer Coordinator DL DOB
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BROWN, R. (F09139) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 11:38:37, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 09/04/2019 11:47:01, Wednesday Reference: Follow Up Supplement
Phone: Mcanespy Stated he was by the scales when he got a radio call for all ERT members to report. He ran to the "change/ERT" building next to rally point 4. He advised that when he got there the door was locked. After gaining entry, while "suiting up" he heard the explosion. While reporting to area he heard smaller explosions. After re-entering the plant came across "Joe" who was badly burned. He escorted Joe to gate 4. He advised the re-entered the plant and came across "Nick" who was badly burned and escorted him to gate 4. He then re-entered plant to the area of the "5000 warehouse" where he attempted to start a fire fighting fixed water monitor but water pressure was so low it would not reach the fire. End of report.
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040)
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 13:56:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:01:59, Thursday
Contact:
Reference: Follow-up
INTERVIEWS: Interviews were audio recorded with Investigator K. Pulley`s (95F32) Harris County issued Olympus VP-10 audio recorder and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Initial interviews conducted on Tuesday April 2, 2019 as follows; Matthew Edward Wallace - KMCO Reaction 2 Supervisor Matthew Wallace was onsite at the KMCO facility in a meeting inside the Admin 2 building when he heard a call over the radio that there was an isobutylene leak. He and the area manager went out the door towards the area of the leak. He observed an area monitor already on trying to knock down the fumes and then turned on another area monitor towards the leak. He described seeing a vapor cloud waste high. He saw a flash then heard what he described as an explosion. He observed two people injured right away. One injured person was in the area where he was pointing the monitor and the other injured person came from around the boiler house. He then opened up the ERT building and then went back to the admin building to assist people. Wallace also stated he isolated the isobutylene storage tank. Wallace provided the names of the three casualties. Kimberly Ann George - KMCO Director of Human Resources and Communications Kimberly George was onsite at the KMCO facility in her office inside the administration building. She heard the voice of Nick Justus over the radio that telling everybody get to the control room. She grabbed her radio and exited her office to head to the administrative conference room when what she described as an explosion occurred. She stayed put until she heard someone say evacuate and then headed across the street to assist with a head count. She was tasked to contact the family members of the three casualties. Boyd Crawford - Contractor for Specialized Waste Systems Boyd Crawford was onsite at the KMCO facility unloading city water when he was informed of a chemical reaction and told to evacuate. He went to one gate that was locked when he heard a boom then proceeded to a second gate that was raised up for them to crawl under. When he looked back he observed a big ball of fire. His truck was left behind inside the facility. Cedric Lamont Watson - Slay - Owner Operator Cedric Watson was onsite at the KMCO facility picking up Infineum T2442. Watson stated he was at the truck scales when he observed white smoke and saw water was already being put on the smoke. Watson stated he then observed what he believed to be an explosion and immediately ran across the street to the parking lot. Watson
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040)
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 13:56:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:01:59, Thursday
Contact:
Reference: Follow-up
then ran across the rail road tracks. This interview was not audio recorded. John C. Foley - KMCO CEO John Foley stated he was not onsite when the incident occurred. Foley did not have time to be interviewed due to his role at the EOC. Erin Anne Molinaro - KMCO Warehouse Coordinator Erin Molinaro was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the warehouse when she heard over the radio that the K8 and K9 areas needed to be cleared out. She then proceeded to clear out the employees from the offices behind the warehouse. After assisting with clearing the offices she proceeded across the street. Jenna Nguyen - KMCO Director of Quality Jenna Nguyen was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the Admin 3 building when she heard over the radio to shelter in place. She then proceeded to help shut down the HVAC system and hear what she believed to be an explosion. Shortly after she evacuated the building. She observed black smoke when she headed across the street to a muster point. Raymond Paul Hembling - KMCO Process Engineer Raymond Hembling was onsite at the KMCO facility in his office inside the Admin 2 building. When he went to get a cup of coffee there was commotion about a leak. As he proceeded back to his office he heard a shelter in place. Then shortly after he heard what he believed to be an explosion he helped people evacuate the building and get across the street. He assisted with getting a head count of personnel. Arissa Nicole Baiamonte - KMCO Reaction 2 Production Engineer Arissa Baiamonte was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the Admin 2 building with her boss, a supervisor, and a specialist in the conference room. While in the conference room they heard no truck traffic in the K8 and K9 area over the radio. Her boss mentioned he believed there was a leak in the IB line. Her boss, supervisor, and specialist left the conference room to go investigate while she remained in the conference room. About five minutes after they left she heard what she believed to be an explosion, then went to her office to get her bag and badge. She then evacuated across the street. Baiamonte was able to explain how the process works in the Reaction 2 area that involves K8 and K9 and able to provide employee names that work in the Reaction 2 area. Nathan Wilburn Bradley - KMCO Operations Manager in charge of Reaction 2
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040)
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 13:56:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:01:59, Thursday
Contact:
Reference: Follow-up
Nathan Bradley was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the Admin 2 building in the conference room with Matthew Wallace and Arissa Baiamonte. Bradley heard IB pipe over the radio and trailed Matthew out of the conference room. He then went to get his FRC`s out of his office. After exiting his office he went out the north door of the Admin 2 building then went around the boiler and noticed a vapor cloud on the ground. He saw Matthew to left of him trying to get water started and then saw a fire ball come out of the K8 and K9 area. Bradley stated he got knocked down and observed Joe Perales fully engulfed in flames coming from the K8 area. He focused on helping Joe until an ambulance arrived. Bradley provided a little more information on the process in the Reaction 2 area the employees that work in the area. Margaret Coker Greathouse - KMCO Document Control Specialist Margaret Greathouse was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the Admin 3 building. Greathouse heard what she believed to be an explosion and felt the building shake. Greathouse heard someone say get out of the building then was told to shelter in place before they were allowed to evacuate. She then exited the building and walked across the street to the parking lot. Brandon Campos - KMCO Process Operator Brandon Campos was onsite at the KMCO facility out at the bleach scrubber near K11. On his way back to the control room he heard someone call out on the radio to stay clear of the area. He observed isobutylene fumes after someone told him about it. Campos then evacuated the facility and made his way to the parking lot across the street. Campos stated Tony Tharp was operating on K8 and K9. Keith Blair Terhune - KMCO Vice President Keith Terhune was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the Admin 2 building when heard clear the Reaction 2 area and headed straight to speak to the plant manager Bob Witten. Shortly after that he heard there was an isobutylene leak over the radio. He then proceeded to shut down the HVAC system in the admin building. After what he believed to be an explosion he began to evacuate employees out of the admin building. He then looked out and saw a plume of smoke and began establishing an emergency operations center. Operations was set up in the front of the facility alongside municipal fire departments and engaged in a unified command. Terhune explained were he believed the isobutylene leak would have occurred. Danny McMullan - KMCO RX 1 Operator Danny McMullan was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the control room when he heard his shift leader come on the radio stating there was and isobutylene leak around K8 and K9. McMullan stated he saw James Mangum
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040)
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 13:56:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:01:59, Thursday
Contact:
Reference: Follow-up
putting on his SCBA and gear on inside the control room and leave through the back door. A few minutes after Mangum left he heard what he believed to be an explosion. Tony Allen Tharp - KMCO Process Operator Tony Tharp was onsite at the KMCO facility who stated he is the process operator on K8 and K9. When he came into work he was told by his relief they were at the ending stations of feeding the isobutylene. Tharp turned off the feed around 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM. There were two valves that were shut and blocked off. Tharp stated he gave his radio to Joe after he saw the leak under K8. Tharp stated he saw it pop. He was there with a contractor who was installing insulation. Tharp stated it knocked him backwards when he saw it pop. The contractor came out and said she didn`t know what it was and she took off running. He then proceeded to call Joe Perales to come out to K8 and K9 to check it out over the radio. He met Joe Perales half way between the control room and K9. They went into the control room were Joe Perales put on his gear. Tharp then met up with a veteran operator and they proceeded to turn on fire monitors. Tharp described the pop as a big air hose popped off and the isobutylene started coming out quick. Tharp stated whatever popped looked like a check valve. Listen to the audio for full details of Tharp`s eye witness accounts of the incident. Steven Verrett - KMCO Chemical Operator Steven Verrett was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the control room getting keys when someone told him a line blew out on the isobutylene line. Verrett then ran out to get the trucks shut down and could see the vapors from the isobutylene. Verrett then ran to the fire monitors to get them turned on. Verrett believe the vapors were coming from the K8 - K9 area. Randell Bergeron Jr. - KMCO Construction Manager Randell Bergeron was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the Admin 3 building when he heard over the radio for everyone to clear out. When he exited out of admin building he observed a vapor cloud in the K8 - K9 area.
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: SHAW, C. J. (F09055) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 15:00:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/17/2020 19:37:36, Friday Reference: Follow-up
Supplement of Original Report/1904-00005 Scene Documentation and Evidence Collection C. Shaw Deputy Chief April 2, 2019, April 4, 2019 & April 11, 2019 On April 2, 2019 I, Deputy Chief C. Shaw responded to the scene of an explosion and fire incident at the KMCO facility located at 16503 Ramsey Rd., Crosby, unincorporated Harris County, Texas. Upon arrival at the facility, there was large columns of black smoke coming from the interior of the gated facility. After a short period of time on scene, a command post was set up to the east of the facility at the Knights of Columbus building, 1508 Crosby Dayton Rd. This command post was utilized by responding agencies as well as the investigative division of the HCFMO to interview employees of the KMCO facility who were available on site. On this same date, April 2, 2019, I assisted Investigator K. Pulley and other HCFMO employees to evacuate a deceased victim from the scene. The victim had been moved from inside of the facility and out to a gate on Ramsey Rd. to the north side of the plant. The victim was photographed and moved to a secured parking lot, where decontamination of the body was completed and photographs were taken for documentation. Once the Medical Examiner`s Office arrived on scene, the victim`s body was released to their custody. From the initiation of the investigation on April 2, 2019 to April 4, 2019, I was on site with Investigator K. Pulley and other HCFMO employees without being able to enter the facility due to continued fire and hazards that did not allow for safe entry to examine the scene. On April 4, 2019 I entered the scene along with other team members of the HCFMO. This entry was conducted while in full protective clothing, including hazardous materials suits and self-contained breathing apparatus. I documented the scene at the request of Investigator Pulley, with digital still images, taken using a Canon T-3 digital camera with a removable SD card media. These images were downloaded to the Adams Foray digital evidence management system. The SD card was then formatted for future use. The entry was also documented using GoPro cameras, worn by investigators at the request of KMCO and other investigative agencies. While in the scene on this entry it was observed that a piece of equipment in the facility, in the "Reactor 8" area, had damage which could have contributed to the release of product, causing this incident. It was determined that this piece of equipment needed to be removed and examined further at the facility because the damage was facing the down and was too close to the ground. I informed KMCO of the need to remove this item and they agreed to provide employees from the maintenance group to assist with the removal of the device once we were able to enter the scene with less protective equipment. From April 4, 2019 to April 11, 2019 no entry was available because of the hazards in the facility. We received notification that an entry could be made on April 11, 2019. I informed OSHA and CSB of the entry. On the morning of April 11th, we discussed at the morning briefing that we would make entry with KMCO representatives and that we would document the scene again as well as remove the piece of equipment that appeared damaged. We would
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: SHAW, C. J. (F09055) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 15:00:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/17/2020 19:37:36, Friday Reference: Follow-up
then examine and document that piece of equipment but leave it on scene for other investigative parties. CSB representative, Jonathon Whitwell arrived at the end of the briefing. He was informed of what we were doing on this entry at which time he requested that we secure the piece of damaged equipment in our property room. We agreed to secure the equipment as evidence in our property room. I entered the facility with Investigator Pulley, other HCFMO staff, members of KMCO maintenance staff and Jonathon Whitwell with CSB. The scene was documented using a Canon T-3 digital still image camera with a removable SD card media. All images were downloaded to the Adams Foray digital management system. The SD card was then formatted for future use. The entry was also documented by video on GoPro cameras worn by investigators. The equipment removed is known as a "Y" strainer which was in line for a mixing process which included Isobutylene, a highly flammable chemical. The "Y" strainer appeared to have a large blowout in the cast metal. The apparatus was removed from the "Reactor 8" area, at the flanges before and after the "Y" strainer and placed on a wooden pallet which was provided by KMCO. The "Y" strainer was documented and then secured to the pallet with ratchet straps, then moved into a trailer and transported to the HCFMO property room located at 2322 Atascocita Rd. Since this date, CSB, KMCO, and other interested parties have made appointments to examine and document the "Y" strainer apparatus. There is also a request that the "Y" strainer be removed from the property room and transported to a laboratory for analysis and testing. Once all parties agree to the process and procedures for testing, the "Y` strainer will be released. End of Supplement…
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: GENNARO, G. (F09167) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 15:02:46, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/03/2019 01:40:52, Wednesday Reference: Follow Up Supplement
Investigator G. Gennaro was instructed by Lt S. Schoonover to change location to Memorial Hermann Medical Center for two burn victims. While enroute to the hospital I saw two ambulances preparing to take victims to medical helicopters, I stopped in at the LZ and was able to grab a few pictures of the victims before they were taken to the hospital by helicopters. Both were male victims and were both intubated. Victims sustained burns to the face, arms, legs , chest, abdomen and back. Victim #1 identified by the hospital as Delta 3019 He was identified by EMS crew as Joe Peralez DOB and Per ER doc he sustained 50-60 percent burn to his body and was in critical condition. Victim#2 identified by the hospital as FOXTROT 3019 He was identified by EMS crew as Nicholas Justus DOB and per the ER doc he sustained 35-40 percent burn to his body and was also in critical condition. Pictures are uploaded in foray. End of supplement GAG/95F67
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: LEE, D. (F09043) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/02/2019 16:00:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/07/2019 17:34:05, Sunday Reference: Follow-up
D Lee Unit 95F24 Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Supplemental Report On April 2, 2019 at approximately 1600 I, D. Lee unit 95F24 of the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office was assigned by Lt. S. Schoonover of the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office to interview witnesses who were present at the time this incident occurred. I interviewed 26 witnesses and recorded their interviews. All the witnesses had basically the same story. They stated they were told to evacuate the area via the radio system. They stated they saw a white to yellow colored vapor cloud close to the ground and moments later, heard an explosion and saw the fire. End DPL
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040)
Date / Time: 04/03/2019 14:23:00, Wednesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:04:26, Thursday
Contact:
Reference: Follow-up
INTERVIEWS: Interviews were audio recorded with Investigator K. Pulley`s (95F32) Harris County issued Olympus VP-10 audio recorder and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Initial interviews conducted on Wednesday April 3, 2019 as follows; David Allen Copeland - KMCO Plant Operator David Copeland was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the control room when he heard over the radio don`t come around or near K8 - K9 area. He heard inside the control room that there was speculation that there was a release of isobutylene. He observed James Mangum leave the control room with an SCBA on. Christopher Lawrence Allen - KMCO Outside Operator Christopher Allen was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the control room when Joe Perales and Tony Tharp came inside and said there was an isobutylene leak. He was told to stay in the control room and stay clear of the Reaction 2 area. He heard an explosion from inside the control room. Timothy Christopher Miser - KMCO Operator Timothy Miser was onsite at the KMCO facility at Tank 1604 when he heard stay out of the K8 - K9 area over the radio. After the initial radio traffic he then heard stay out of the Reaction 2 area. From where he was located, he observed a vapor could in the Reaction 2 area. Shortly after he heard radio traffic to get out of the plant. He then blocked off the oil charge he was working on. After blocking off the charge he evacuated the facility.
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BLANKENHEIM, C. (F09039) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/03/2019 14:40:00, Wednesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/19/2019 08:53:07, Friday Reference: Follow-up
Investigator C. Blankenheim 95F28 Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office 7701 Wilshire Place, Houston TX. 77040 (O) 713-274-1659
Supplement Report 1904-00005 On April 03, 2019 at 14:00 Investigator Blankenheim was assigned to respond to the Kingwood Hosp at 22999 US 59 to check is any one from the KMCO fire was at the location. On my arrival at 14:25 I asked the Emergency room staff and they went through the recards and told me all persons from the KMCO fire had checked out of the Hospital. I returned to service at 14:40
END OF SUPPLEMENT
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/04/2019 12:00:00, Thursday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/17/2020 19:42:26, Friday Reference: Follow-up
INTERVIEWS: Interviews were audio recorded with Investigator K. Pulley`s (95F32) Harris County issued Olympus VP-10 audio recorder and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Second interview with Tony Allen Tharp conducted on Thursday April 4, 2019 as follows; Tony Allen Tharp - KMCO Process Operator Photos of the wye strainer were shown to Tony Tharp. Tharp confirmed he saw the isobutylene coming from the wye strainer underneath K-8. Chief Shaw, Eric Tompkins, and Mike Lowry sat in on the interview. Mike Lowry provided assistance throughout the interview. The full interview has been transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network.
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BLANKENHEIM, C. (F09039) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/06/2019 17:39:00, Saturday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/23/2019 07:19:29, Tuesday Reference: Follow-up
Investigator C. Blankenheim 95F28 Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office 7701 Wilshire Place, Houston TX. 77040 (O) 713-274-1659
Supplement Report 1904-00005 On April 06, 2019 at 17:04 Investigator Blankenheim was assigned to respond to the Hermman Hosp at 6411 Fannin St to check on the persons from the KMCO fire. On my arrival at 17:04 I asked the security personel about patients named Joe Perales and Nickolas Justice. The security personel escorted me to the Burn Word where I talkedto the staff and they said there had been no change in the patients conditions and they are not ready for and interview. At 17:39 I left the hospital. END OF SUPPLEMENT
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/07/2019 18:00:00, Sunday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/09/2019 21:00:17, Tuesday Reference: Follow-up
K. Pulley (Unit 95F32) Fire/Arson/Explosion Investigator Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Office # 713-274-1760 Sunday April 07, 2019 On Sunday April 07, 2019 I, Investigator K. Pulley (95F32) with the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office made phone calls to the T.P.I.S crew that was working at KMCO the day of the incident to schedule interviews. The crew as follows; Anthony G. Chatman Aurelio M. Campos Jose M. Flores Noe M. Flores Lakesha A. Mason Chatman, Campos, J. Flores, and N. Flores did not answer multiple phone calls that were placed. I left a voicemail with my contact information on each of their phones. Lakesha A. Mason informed me she was willing to schedule an interview. However, Mason stated she obtained an attorney and wanted to ask him if it was ok to speak to me. A tentative interview was schedule for Monday April 08, 2019 at 9:00 AM. End of Supplement. K. Pulley (95F32).
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/08/2019 18:00:00, Monday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/09/2019 21:01:23, Tuesday Reference: Follow-up
K. Pulley (Unit 95F32) Fire/Arson/Explosion Investigator Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Office # 713-274-1760 Monday April 09, 2019 On Monday April 09, 2019 I, Investigator K. Pulley (95F32) with the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office contacted T.P.I.S. employee Lakesha A. Mason via telephone who stated her attorney informed her not to speak to HCFMO. Mason stated her attorney was Bill Adler and the case manager was Sandra Hermosa. I contacted her attorney`s office via telephone and was informed Mason`s attorney was unavailable. I left my contact information with case manager Sandra Hermosa and informed her I needed to interview Mason as soon as possible. Hermosa stated she would have the attorney contact me. I made contact with Anthony G. Chatman via telephone who stated he was the supervisor for the T.P.I.S. crew on site. Chatman stated he left KMCO prior to the fire/explosion that occurred. Chatman stated he would be out of town until Friday April 19, 2019 and would contact me when he was back in town. I made contact with T.P.I.S. employee Aurelio M. Campos via telephone who stated he would come in for an interview on Tuesday April 09, 2019. A tentative interview is scheduled for Tuesday April 09, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office. I made contact with T.P.I.S. employee Jose M. Flores via telephone who stated he does not speak English well. Although there was a language barrier between Flores and myself he informed me he was on a scaffold working when he noticed a lot of gas. I informed Flores that I would have a Spanish translator contact him to conduct an interview. I made multiple attempts to contact T.P.I.S. employee Noe M. Flores who did not answer. A second voicemail with my contact information was left on his phone. End of Supplement. K. Pulley (95F32).
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040)
Date / Time: 04/09/2019 12:00:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:08:14, Thursday
Contact:
Reference: Follow-up
INTERVIEWS: Interviews were audio recorded with Investigator K. Pulley`s (95F32) Harris County issued Olympus VP-10 audio recorder and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Interview with T.P.I.S. employee conducted on Tuesday April 9, 2019 as follows; Aurelio Campos Manzo - T.P.I.S. Metal Man/Insulation Installer Aurelio Campos was onsite at the KMCO facility installing installation on the steam piping in the K8- K9 area. Campos was working in the area with T.P.I.S. employee Lakesha. Manzo went to the warehouse to get a crimper. When Manzo was coming back he observed what appeared to him to be gas or steam. Manzo stated he then observed everyone running. Manzo stated what he described as an explosion knocked him down to the grown. Manzo stated he doesn`t remember exactly how he evacuated. While he was in the parking lot someone told him Lakesha got in her car and left. Manzo went to Baytown Hospital for the injuries he sustained.
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BLANKENHEIM, C. (F09039) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/12/2019 13:50:00, Friday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/23/2019 07:19:49, Tuesday Reference: Follow-up
Investigator C. Blankenheim 95F28 Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office 7701 Wilshire Place, Houston TX. 77040 (O) 713-274-1659
Supplement Report 1904-00005 On April 12, 2019 at 12:31 Investigator Blankenheim was assigned to respond to the Hermman Hosp at 6411 Fannin St to check on the persons from the KMCO fire. On my arrival at 13:20 I asked the security personel about patients named Joe Perales and Nickolas Justice. The security personnel escorted me to the Burn Word where I talked to the staff and they said there had been no change in the patient`s conditions and they are not ready for and interview. At 13:50 I left the hospital. END OF SUPPLEMENT
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: FARRIS, D. (F09041) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/13/2019 08:00:00, Saturday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/23/2019 07:05:58, Tuesday Reference: Follow-up
On 4-13-19 at 08:00 hours Investigator Farris responded to 16503 Ramsey Rd and attended the morning safety briefing. The briefing stated that they were going to go into the warehouse this morning and remove some of the product. They stated that the majority of the surrounding area had already been pressure washed and they were almost done with it. HCSO Security stated that a white jeep had driven over a fire hose and had been driving recklessly through the scene the previous night. HCSO had advised all units to be on the lookout for a white jeep with 35" tires and a light bar. All personel were concerned with the approaching storm and were set up for a 20 mile lighting barrier for shutting down the operation. The meeting ended at approximately 08:30
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: GENNARO, G. (F09167) Supervisor: HILTON, T. (F09136) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/15/2019 14:37:16, Monday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/22/2019 21:54:47, Monday Reference: Follow-up
Investigator G. Gennaro 95F67 Follow-up On April 15th 14:37 Investigator Gennaro responded to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the medical center for a follow up on both victims from the explosion. Victim #1 Joe V. his records were not found by hospital staff and they could`t tell me his status. Hospital staff advised usually in a situation like that the family may have put a "privacy hold" on patient`s medical records and therefor his files are not accessible. Victim #2 Nicholas J. was location in the burn unit and was still intubated and therefore was not able to talk to investigator. Patient`s nurse advised he had surgery to both hands 3 days ago (a skin graph) and doctors attempted to win him off the ventilator and he didn`t do well, therefore she is not sure when he would be extubated. Nurse also advised that victim has a long recovery ahead and is expected to be in the hospital for an extended length of time. End of supplement GAG/95F67
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BECK, J. (F09189) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121)
Date / Time: 04/23/2019 12:17:29, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/24/2019 12:13:31, Wednesday
Contact:
Reference: Follow Up Supplement
I, Investigator Jason Beck, on 4/2/19 was dispatched to the KMCO chemical plant fire in unincorporated Harris County. While on scene I was assigned to take the name and contact information of the following KMCO employees: Name: Ethan Bishop, W/M, DOB: . Name: Steven Verrett, B/M, DOB:
, residence:
, Phone:
, residence:
, Phone:
.
No other action taken. End of report.
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CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
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Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
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Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: BLANKENHEIM, C. (F09039) Supervisor: SCHOONOVER, S. (F09121) Contact:
Date / Time: 04/26/2019 16:38:14, Friday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/30/2019 06:56:45, Tuesday Reference: Follow-up
Investigator C. Blankenheim 95F28 Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office 7701 Wilshire Place, Houston TX. 77040 (O) 713-274-1659
Supplement Report 1904-00005 On April 26, 2019 at 13:30 Investigator Blankenheim and Investigator Hargraves Responded to 3310 Hardy St. Houston TX. 77026. At 14:11 Both Investigators arrived at the location to find out it was an empty lot. At 14:47 arrived at 1900 W Loop S. Houston TX 77055. I presented the Subpoena to Attorney Angela Boone and she said the client will comply with the order. I left her with a signed copy of the Subpoena and I attached one to this report. At 15:06 I was in service. END OF SUPPLEMENT
Investigator Signature
Supervisor Signature Page 44
CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
Printed: 01/22/2020 08:34 OCA: 190400005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040)
Date / Time: 04/29/2019 10:37:00, Monday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:27:54, Thursday
Contact:
Reference: Follow-up
INTERVIEWS: Interviews were audio recorded with Investigator K. Pulley`s (95F32) Harris County issued Olympus VP-10 audio recorder and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Follow up interviews conducted on Monday April 29, 2019 as follows; Arissa Nicole Baiamonte - KMCO Reaction 2 Production Engineer In this second interview Arissa Baiamonte went into greater detail to explain the process that takes place in the K8 - K9 area. Mark Alan Kaulen - KMCO Health Safety Environmental Director Mark Kaulen was onsite at the KMCO facility inside his office when he heard stay out of the reaction area over the radio. He heard a shelter in place over the radio. He then proceeded to shut down the HVAC system to the building. He went outside the building and looked toward the Reaction 2 area and observed a vapor cloud. He then started helping evacuate the admin building. He assisted with helping Nick out and then proceeded to help Joe out until the paramedics arrived. Mike Kenneth Lowry - KMCO Engineering Manager Mike Lowry was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the admin building when Eric asked him to shut off the air handler. Lowry does not carry a radio. Lowry did a sweep of the building to help evacuate everyone. After evacuating he went across the street. Lowry provide investigators with his expertise and knowledge on the K8 - K9 process. He went into detail about the functions of wye strainers. Eric Dawain Tompkins - KMCO Health Safety Environmental Manager Eric Tompkins was onsite at the KMCO facility when he heard evacuate the Reaction 2 area. He immediately put on his FRC`s and walked toward the Reaction 2 area. He observed an employee running towards the Reaction 2 area. He observed the employee pulling a chain fall to one of the elevated water monitors. He noticed a vapor cloud around the Reaction 2 area. He saw flames engulf around the employee who he believes to be Joe Perales.
Investigator Signature
Supervisor Signature Page 45
CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
Printed: 01/22/2020 08:34 OCA: 190400005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040) Contact:
Date / Time: 05/01/2019 11:16:00, Wednesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:32:02, Thursday Reference: Follow-up
INTERVIEWS: Interviews were audio recorded with Investigator K. Pulley`s (95F32) Harris County issued Olympus VP-10 audio recorder and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Interview with T.P.I.S. employee conducted on Wednesday May 1, 2019 as follows; Lakesha Ann Mason - Helper Lakesha Mason was onsite at the KMCO facility working in the K8 - K9 area doing thread insulation on a steam line. Mason explained the process of installing the insulation in the K8- K9 area. Mason observed an operator in the area and shortly after she described a line that blew. She observed vapor rising and crawled out of the area. She then flagged down someone she knows as Octavian in a golf cart and asked him what the vapor was. Octavian told her to get out of there. She described the actions she took after she was told to get out of there.
Investigator Signature
Supervisor Signature Page 46
CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
Printed: 01/22/2020 08:34 OCA: 190400005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040) Contact:
Date / Time: 05/07/2019 16:05:00, Tuesday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/16/2020 19:36:00, Thursday Reference: Follow-up
INTERVIEWS: Interviews were audio recorded with Investigator K. Pulley`s (95F32) Harris County issued Olympus VP-10 audio recorder and transferred to the HCFMO Foray Digital Evidence System on the Harris County network. Follow up interview conducted on Tuesday May 7, 2019 as follows; Nicholas Branch Justus On Tuesday May 7, 2019 an interview was conducted with Nicholas Justus who was injured during the incident that took place on Tuesday April 2, 2019 at the KMCO facility located at 16503 Ramsey Road in unincorporated Harris County, TX. Nicholas Justus was onsite at the KMCO facility inside the Admin 2 building conference room when he heard a call on the radio that there was an isobutylene leak. He then proceeded to turn on the fire monitor at the 1600 tank, then went to turn off the boilers, and then made his way next to the control room. After turning on the fire monitor next to the control room he turned around and was thrown to the grown. Before he was thrown to the ground he was able to describe what Joe Perales and James Mangum were doing. He sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to 40% of his body.
Investigator Signature
Supervisor Signature Page 47
CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
Printed: 01/22/2020 08:34 OCA: 190400005
Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Case Status: CLOSED
Case Mng Status: ACTIVE
Occurred: 04/02/2019
Offense: FIRE (ACCIDENTAL) Investigator: PULLEY, K. (F09158) Supervisor: WESTON, M. (F09040) Contact:
Date / Time: 12/27/2019 16:19:00, Friday Supervisor Review Date / Time: 01/17/2020 19:42:00, Friday Reference: Follow-up
K. Pulley (Unit 95F5) Fire/Arson/Explosion Investigator Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office Office # 713-274-1760 Friday, December 27, 2019 On Friday December 27, 2019 I, Lieutenant K. Pulley (95F5) with the Harris County Fire Marshal`s Office recieved a copy of the autopsy report on James Earl Mangum from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. After reviewing the medical examiners findings of the cause and manner of death I find it consistent with my findings and observations of the incident. Autopsy Report Case No. ML19-1113 On The Body Of James Earl Mangum Cause Of Death: Sharp force injuries of the right upper extremity with transection of the right brachial artery and vein. Manner Of Death: Accident End of supplement. K. Pulley (95F5).
Investigator Signature
Supervisor Signature Page 48