A major explosion has been reported at an oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, United States, triggering emergency response efforts and safety warnings for nearby residents.
Local officials issued an urgent directive following the incident, calling on people within the vicinity to take immediate precautions.
“To ensure the safety of all residents in the vicinity and in light of the recent explosion at the Valero refinery, an immediate shelter in place is ordered,” Port Arthur emergency management officials said in an alert.
The explosion, which occurred on Monday, sent tall flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky, with residents reporting a loud blast that rattled windows and buildings in surrounding areas.
Confirming the situation, the refinery operator said emergency protocols were activated and all workers were accounted for.
“Currently there is a fire in a unit at Valero’s Port Arthur, Texas refinery. All personnel have been accounted for,” the company said, adding that worker safety remains a “top priority.”
The Port Arthur refinery, located about 90 miles east of Houston, is a major facility that processes heavy crude oil into products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, handling hundreds of thousands of barrels daily.
Emergency crews were deployed to the scene to contain the fire, while authorities continued to monitor the situation and assess any potential environmental impact.
Although the cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed, investigations are expected to determine what led to the incident.
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