A large explosion tore through the Valero oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, on Monday, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and prompting shelter-in-place orders for nearby neighborhoods, officials said. The plant, about 145 kilometres east of Houston, was the scene of a sizable blast; Mayor Charlotte M. Moses said no one was injured and urged residents on parts of the city’s west side to remain indoors while firefighters worked to control the blaze. “They’re trying to put the fire out as quickly as possible,” the mayor said, adding that people in affected areas were otherwise OK. The refinery employs about 770 people and has a processing capacity of roughly 435,000 barrels of oil per day, refining heavy sour crude into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Images and video posted online showed large columns of smoke and flames; some residents reported hearing a loud boom and feeling windows rattle. The City of Port Arthur posted on Facebook advising people to stay in place until emergency personnel announce an all clear. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality deployed air-monitoring equipment and is coordinating with local and state partners, state Rep. Christian Manuel said. Manuel and other officials advised nearby residents to stay indoors, limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed, and follow local guidance. Officials noted the incident comes amid rising gasoline prices tied to uncertainty over global oil supplies related to the Iran conflict.
