A large explosion at an oil refinery near the Texas coast on Monday shot plumes of smoke into the air and forced nearby residents to shelter in place, officials said.
No one was injured in the explosion at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, which is located about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Houston. Mayor Charlotte M. Moses stated that firefighters were responding to the incident.
There’s been an explosion, yes, but we’re OK; everybody’s OK, she remarked. They’re trying to put the fire out as quickly as possible.
The explosion took place against the backdrop of rising gas prices influenced by global oil supply uncertainties linked to the ongoing war in Iran. Valero's refinery employs about 770 workers and processes approximately 435,000 barrels of oil daily, refining heavy sour crude into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Residents reported a loud booming sound from the explosion and indicated that their windows shook.
For your safety, please remain in place until the 'All Clear' is given by emergency personnel, the City of Port Arthur advised through a social media post.
Texas state Representative Christian Manuel confirmed that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality arrived at the refinery equipped with air monitoring tools to assess the situation and is collaborating with local and state authorities. He urged residents to limit outdoor activities, keep windows and doors closed, and heed local officials' advice as they manage the incident.
No one was injured in the explosion at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, which is located about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Houston. Mayor Charlotte M. Moses stated that firefighters were responding to the incident.
There’s been an explosion, yes, but we’re OK; everybody’s OK, she remarked. They’re trying to put the fire out as quickly as possible.
The explosion took place against the backdrop of rising gas prices influenced by global oil supply uncertainties linked to the ongoing war in Iran. Valero's refinery employs about 770 workers and processes approximately 435,000 barrels of oil daily, refining heavy sour crude into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Residents reported a loud booming sound from the explosion and indicated that their windows shook.
For your safety, please remain in place until the 'All Clear' is given by emergency personnel, the City of Port Arthur advised through a social media post.
Texas state Representative Christian Manuel confirmed that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality arrived at the refinery equipped with air monitoring tools to assess the situation and is collaborating with local and state authorities. He urged residents to limit outdoor activities, keep windows and doors closed, and heed local officials' advice as they manage the incident.
