Hazardous Gas Leaks Prompt Orders in Texas, Colorado

On Tuesday, separate hazardous gas leaks prompted shelter-in-place orders in El Paso County, Colorado, and Brazoria County, Texas. In Colorado, residents near the 10000 block of Rainbow Bridge Drive were told to stay indoors due to a gas leak, the second such event in the area within a week. In Texas, a level 3 chlorine gas leak occurred at the Olin chemical plant in Freeport around 9 a.m., leading to shelter-in-place orders for Clute, Lake Jackson, and all Brazosport ISD campuses; the leak was contained by 9:45 a.m., and the order was lifted soon after. Four workers were treated following the release in Freeport, but no injuries were reported among the general public. Officials praised the response of residents and schools and highlighted the need for robust public alert systems. Both incidents have renewed discussions about industrial safety and emergency preparedness in communities near critical infrastructure.