Massive Sulfuric Acid Release at Houston Ship Channel — Incidence and impact
Incidence - In the early hours of December 27, 2025, a significant industrial accident occurred at the BWC Terminals facility in Channelview, Texas, near the Houston Ship Channel — one of the busiest commercial waterways in the United States. A catwalk structure collapsed, rupturing a pipeline connected to a large storage tank holding roughly 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid.
Local authorities, including fire and emergency response teams, responded quickly. Nearby vessel crews were moved to safety, and air quality and water monitoring were initiated immediately to assess environmental risks and potential exposure.
Two workers experienced chemical exposure symptoms and were hospitalized with respiratory problems but have since been released. Dozens more individuals near the site were evaluated by medical personnel.
A lawsuit filed in early January 2026 claims the company failed to warn workers or implement adequate safety protocols, alleging significant negligence in preventing and responding to the spill.
Impact
Environmental Impact
Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical that can severely damage aquatic ecosystems.
Authorities continue ongoing water and air monitoring to determine the full extent of contamination.
Human Impact
The hospitalization of two workers highlights the dangerous human health impacts chemical leaks can have, especially when toxic vapours are released without warning.
Emergency responders’ swift actions — including evaluating dozens of potentially affected individuals on site — likely prevented broader injury, but the incident underscores the risks faced by workers on industrial and maritime operations.
Maritime Operational Impact
This has led to temporary closures and navigation restrictions, officials maintained that the channel remained open throughout the response. However, vessels in the immediate vicinity were repositioned to avoid exposure and ensure crew safety.
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