Residents ordered to stay indoors as explosion rocks US refinery
Residents living near a refinery owned by Valero Energy in Port Arthur, Texas, USA were asked to stay inside their homes on Monday after an explosion caused a fire at the facility, leading to an emergency response from local and state authorities.
Officials told people in nearby areas, especially on the west side of the city, to remain indoors, close their doors and windows, and follow safety instructions while firefighters worked to control the fire.
The explosion sent thick smoke into the air and forced emergency crews, police, and environmental officials to rush to the scene. Authorities also closed parts of State Highways 82 and 87 so that rescue teams could move freely around the refinery.
In a statement, the company said its emergency team is working with local authorities to handle the situation, adding that the safety of workers and residents is their main concern. “Valero’s emergency response team is responding and coordinating with local authorities,” Valero said in a statement, according to Fox 26 Houston.
As a precaution, Jefferson County officials have closed State Highways 82 and 87. As always, the safety of our workers is our top priority, the platform reported.
Officials from the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality were sent to the area with special equipment to check the air and make sure the fire is not causing dangerous pollution.
A spokesperson for the environmental agency, Laura Lopez, said response teams are working together under emergency command, and that updates will be shared on the agency’s social media pages as new information becomes available.
Authorities said the order to stay indoors affects a large area around the refinery, and drivers should expect traffic problems because of road closures near the facility.
The refinery is about 90 miles east of Houston and employs nearly 800 workers. It processes crude oil into petrol, diesel, and jet fuel, producing about 435,000 barrels per day.
No injuries had been reported at the time of filling this report, while firefighters continue to work to put out the fire and find out what caused the explosion.
