U.S. ENERGY TARGET HIT — MASSIVE EXPLOSION ERUPTS AT ONE OF AMERICA’S LARGEST REFINERIES — BOOMS HEARD MILES AWAY
A Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas just erupted into flames after a reported explosion, and the footage is unreal.
• One of the largest refineries in the U.S. (~335,000 barrels/day)
• Massive fireball and thick black smoke pouring into the sky
• Residents say the blast shook homes and rattled windows
• Shelter-in-place warnings issued as the situation unfolds
This isn’t some small facility… this is critical U.S. energy infrastructure going up in flames.
If this isn’t an accident… what does that mean for what comes next?
Smoke is rising above an oil refinery in the United States and locals are being told to shelter in place after an explosion rocked the facility.
The incident happened at a refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, owned by the fuel company Valero. It employs about 770 workers, according to its website, and produces 435,000 barrels per day, processing it into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
The city, with a population of about 56,000, is located in the southeast corner of the state. Its police and fire departments have told residents in the west side of the city to take shelter, and the Texas Department of Transportation has told drivers to avoid the area, but there are no evacuation orders at this time.
“To ensure the safety of all residents in the vicinity in light of the recent explosion at the Valero Refinery, an immediate shelter-in-place is ordered,” said the fire department.
“For your safety, please remain in place until the all clear is given by emergency personnel.”