A massive explosion at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, sent plumes of black smoke into the air and forced residents to stay indoors. No one was injured, officials said.
The Associated Press and the New York Post write about this.
On March 23, a massive explosion rocked the Valero refinery in western Port Arthur, about 90 miles (145 km) east of Houston. Local residents reported a loud noise, shaking houses, and a strong smell of sulfur that filled the area.
Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte M. Moses urged residents of the western part of the city to stay home and said that all plant workers had been evacuated and were safe.
“Yes, there was an explosion, but we're fine; everyone's fine. They're trying to put out the fire as quickly as possible,” she said.
Firefighters and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which monitors air quality and works with local and state agencies, were on the scene. Texas Rep. Christian Manuel urged residents to limit outdoor activity and keep windows and doors closed.
The Valero plant in Port Arthur reportedly processes about 435,000 barrels of heavy crude oil per day into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The explosion came as gas prices rose due to uncertainty over global oil supplies.
No injuries were reported as of Monday evening. Local residents who felt the aftershocks of the explosion expressed shock and surprise at the lack of evacuation measures.