On July 19, 2009 a hydrocarbon gas release occurred in the CITGO Corpus Christi East Refinery
hydrogen fluoride (HF) alkylation unit at 1802 Nueces Bay Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas.
The release ignited causing extensive damage; the ensuing fire burned for several days.
2. The fire critically injured one CITGO employee. One other employee was treated for possible
HF exposure during emergency response activities.
3. The incident occurred when violent shaking in the process recycle piping broke two threaded
connections, releasing highly flammable hydrocarbons. The shaking was caused by nearly
complete flow blockage, which occurred due to the sudden failure of a control valve.