Explosions and Smoke Reported at Arkema Inc. Crosby Plant

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–At approximately 2 a.m. CDT, we were notified by the Harris County
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of two explosions and black smoke
coming from the Arkema Inc. plant in Crosby, Texas. Local
officials had previously established an evacuation zone in an area 1.5
miles from our plant, based on their assessment of the situation.

We continue to work closely with federal, state and local authorities to
manage the situation.

As we communicated in recent days, our site followed its hurricane
preparation plan in advance of the recent hurricane and we had redundant
contingency plans in place. However, unprecedented flooding overwhelmed
our primary power and two sources of emergency backup power. As a
result, we lost critical refrigeration of the products on site. Some of
our organic peroxides products burn if not stored at low temperature.

We have been working closely with public officials to manage the
implications of this situation, and have communicated with the public
the potential for product to explode and cause an intense fire. Organic
peroxides are extremely flammable and, as agreed with public officials,
the best course of action is to let the fire burn itself out.

We want local residents to be aware that product is stored in multiple
locations on the site, and a threat of additional explosion remains.
Please do not return to the area within the evacuation zone until local
emergency response authorities announce it is safe to do so.

Organic peroxides are a family of compounds that are used in a wide
range of applications, such as making pharmaceuticals and construction
materials.

A designer of materials and innovative solutions, Arkema
shapes materials and creates new uses that accelerate customer
performance. Our balanced business portfolio spans high-performance
materials, industrial specialties and coating solutions. Our globally
recognized brands are ranked among the leaders in the markets we serve.
Reporting annual sales of €7.5 billion in 2016, we employ approximately
20,000 people worldwide and operate in close to 50 countries. We are
committed to active engagement with all our stakeholders. Our research
centers in North America, France and Asia concentrate on advances in
bio-based products, new energies, water management, electronic
solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and
insulation. www.arkema.com

Contacts

Arkema Inc.
877-4-ARKEMA
or
Griffin Communications Group
Melissa
Wren
[email protected]