The new daily reports ; A major oil refinery on the Texas Gulf Coast has burst into flames after an explosion, with thick black smoke choking the air.
Residents of the City of Port Arthur were ordered to shelter in place on Tuesday (AEDT) as emergency services dealt with the fiery scene.
It’s reported that there may have been an explosion that rocked the plant and caused multiple sections to ignite.
About 145 kilometres east of Houston, the Valero Port Arthur Refinery employs 770 people and produces 435,000 barrels a day.
Heavy sour crude oil and other feedstocks are processed into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
The refinery receives crude oil by rail, marine docks and pipelines. Products are distributed into pipelines and across the refinery docks into ships and barges.
The explosion caused multiple fires. Photo: Sally Pham
Former news anchor Kevin Steele posted updates on his Facebook page, with aerial footage and photos.
He said an “extremely powerful explosion” rattled windows and knocked open refrigerator doors at a Waffle House 10 miles (16 kilometres) away.
“It will be astounding if nobody got seriously hurt. Of course, it is too early to determine the cause of the fire,” he posted.
The location of the Valero refinery. Photo: Valero website
Later Steele reported that early reports indicated all employees and contractors had been accounted for.
“Some preliminary air quality measurements have shown no issues although a Shelter in place was called for the area,” it said.
The oil refinery explosion comes amid a crippling global oil crisis that has caused shortages and triggered price rises.
Iranian attacks have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas.
