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An explosion and large fire broke out at Valero Energy's Port Arthur refinery in Texas on Monday, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, prompting a shelter-in-place order for residents in the western part of the city.
A loud boom that rattled homes and vehicles across the area, with no initial injuries reported.
Port Arthur emergency management officials ordered an immediate shelter-in-place for a large area surrounding the refinery.
"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," the alert said. State Highways 82 and 87 were closed as a precaution, Jefferson County officials said.
Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens said the explosion was likely caused by an industrial heater.
Interim Port Arthur Fire Chief Louie Havens said two engines were initially dispatched to the refinery, and a hazmat team was deployed. Authorities emphasized that no evacuations were ordered.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality officials were monitoring air quality in the area.
Valero said in a statement, "Currently, there is a fire in a unit at Valero's Port Arthur, Texas refinery. All personnel have been accounted for. Valero's emergency response team is responding and coordinating with local authorities. As always, the safety of our workers is our top priority."
Multiple residents reported hearing a loud boom that rattled car windows and homes across Port Arthur and the surrounding areas.
Local media showed tall flames and a plume of black smoke rising from the refinery. One resident at the scene told 12News that the entire area smelled of rotten eggs, a smell commonly associated with sulfur.
Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte M. Moses confirmed no injuries. "There's been an explosion, yes, but we're OK; everybody's OK. They're trying to put the fire out as quickly as possible," she said.
The Valero Port Arthur Refinery, located approximately 90 miles east of Houston on the Texas Gulf coast near the Texas-Louisiana border, employs approximately 770 workers and processes heavy sour crude oil and other feedstocks into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel at a rate of approximately 435,000 barrels per day.
The explosion comes amid a spike in global gas prices driven by uncertainty over global oil supply due to the war on Iran.
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