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No one was injured in the explosion at the Valero refinery in
Port Arthur, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Houston,
Mayor Charlotte M. Moses said. She urged residents in parts of
the west side of the city to stay put, saying firefighters had
arrived.
“There's been an explosion, yes, but we're OK; everybody's OK,"
she said. "They're trying to put the fire out as quickly as
possible.”
The explosion comes amid a spike in gas prices driven by
uncertainty over the global oil supply because of the Iran war.
The refinery has about 770 employees and can process about
435,000 barrels of oil per day, according to Valero’s website.
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and
jet fuel.
Images and video posted online show a large plume of smoke and
flames billowing out from the refinery. Some residents reported
hearing a loud boom and seeing their windows shake.
“For your safety please remain in place until the ‘All Clear’ is
given by emergency personnel,” the City of Port Arthur said in a
post on its Facebook page.
Valero did not respond to an email or call from The Associated
Press seeking comment.
Texas state Rep. Christian Manuel said in a post on social media
that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had arrived
at the refinery with air monitoring equipment and was working
with local and state partners.
He told nearby residents to stay inside.
“Please limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed,
and follow guidance from local officials,” he said.
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