CSB Deploys Team to Investigate Fatal Refinery Incident in Ohio

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.”

About the CSB

The CSB is an independent, non-regulatory federal agency whose mission is to drive chemical safety change through independent investigations to protect people and the environment. The agency’s board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical incidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. The CSB does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. For more information, please visit www.csb.gov.