A sulfuric acid spill at a southeast Texas industrial plant resulted in two hospitalizations and required medical attention for over 40 individuals, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred early Saturday morning, around 2 a.m., at the BWC Terminals facility. A structural failure involving a catwalk led to the collapse onto a 6-inch sulfuric acid supply line, causing the leak near Channelview.

The Channelview Fire District spearheaded the hazardous materials response, deploying teams to the site located in the 16300 block of Jacintoport Boulevard.

Authorities reported that two individuals experienced respiratory issues severe enough to warrant hospital treatment. Additionally, personnel from two ships docked at the San Jacinto Port underwent on-site medical evaluations.

Local news station, ABC affiliate KTRK in Houston, captured images of the damaged scaffolding, which officials identified as the source of the acid leak.

In an update later that morning, Judge Lina Hidalgo said environmental monitoring was underway after about 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid stored in a tank were released, with some leaking into the Houston Ship Channel.

BWC Terminals later clarified in a statement that the affected tank was carrying 1 million gallons, but most of it was released into the facility’s designated containment area. The company added that an unknown amount of product entered the water of the Houston Ship Channel and that there were no reported impacts on marine life.

Hidalgo also said that the two people sent to the hospital had already been released, and that 44 others were treated at the scene.

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said it was also on the scene and monitoring air quality after several reports of people feeling sick and having trouble breathing.

The sheriff’s office said there was no danger to the public because the leak was limited to the industrial area, so a shelter-in-place order was not needed.

Deputies said the Houston Ship Channel remained open, but some nearby roads were closed to let emergency vehicles get through.

Investigators said chemical spills like this are rare, but the companies involved have “some of the best” hazmat teams to handle such situations.

Deputies told KTRK the leak was stopped a little after 6 a.m.

Judge Lina Hidalgo said an investigation into the leak is underway.