Large blast at Valero oil refinery in Texas sends smoke, flames into the air
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- A large explosion at the Valero oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, caused plumes of smoke and prompted a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents; fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
- Valero and local authorities are actively responding to contain the fire, with emergency teams and environmental monitors deployed to assess air quality, which remains safe as of late Monday.
- The shelter-in-place order was lifted early Tuesday morning, and an area highway was reopened after nearly 12 hours following the explosion.
- The refinery processes about 435,000 barrels of oil daily and produces gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel; the incident occurred amid rising gas prices linked to global oil supply uncertainties.
- Residents reported hearing a loud boom and feeling vibrations from the blast, with officials advising people to stay indoors and follow safety instructions until further notice.
