Washington, D.C. September 26, 2022 - The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) is deploying a team to investigate the accidental release event that occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday September 20, 2022, at the BP Toledo Refinery in Oregon, OH. The incident involved an explosion and fire that resulted in two fatalities, the release of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, and significant property damage.
CSB Interim Executive Steve Owens said, “The CSB team will be documenting the site, gathering evidence and initiating information requests as we begin our investigation into this tragic incident.”
The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's Board Members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents and hazards, including physical causes, such as equipment failure, as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems.
For further information contact Hillary Cohen, Communications Manager, at [email protected] or (202) 446-8094. Further information about the agency’s public meetings may be found on the CSB website at: www.csb.gov.