Shocking videos surfacing on X show a large fire at Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas after a reported explosion. Emergency officials are responding to the refinery as smoke rises from the facility, Fox 10 News reported.
Several people in the area reported hearing a loud boom and felt it rattle their homes. Police have advised people on the west side of Port Arthur to shelter in place, per the outlet.
Here’s a look at the videos:
What we know about the explosion so far
The Valero facility is one of the largest oil refineries in the United States. It processes crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel at a rate of 435,000 barrels a day, according to Valero’s website.
{{/usCountry}}The Valero facility is one of the largest oil refineries in the United States. It processes crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel at a rate of 435,000 barrels a day, according to Valero’s website.
{{/usCountry}}It remains unclear if production at the facility was impacted.
Read More | Valero refinery explosion: What caused the blast at Port Arthur, Texas?
Meanwhile, a social media post on the City of Port Arthur Facebook page said residents in the following areas should shelter in place until the all clear is given:
- From Stilwell west.
- South of Hwy 73.
- Sabine Pass.
- Pleasure Island.
Residents in the surrounding areas have been encouraged to remain indoors, and keep windows and doors closed. They have been asked to follow guidance from local officials, per Fox 26 Houston.
Port Arthur officials said that road closures in and around the area of Highway 82 and Highway 87 can be expected. Traffic can be expected coming into the area from additional roadways.
Sheriff Zena Stephens told FOX Beaumont the explosion was possibly caused by an industrial heater. There were no reported injuries, according to officials.
Read More | Explosion at Valero refinery, huge fire, smoke seen as Texas plant blows up: What we know so far
"Valero's emergency response team is responding and coordinating with local authorities," Valero said in a statement. "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 Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have personnel at the scene.
"Emergency response coordinators and regional staff have been deployed with handheld and mobile air monitoring assets in response to the Valero fire in Port Arthur, TX and are coordinating activities through incident command." TCEQ spokesperson Laura Lopez said in a statement. "Updates will be shared on our social media channels (Facebook and X) as they become available."