A large explosion at an oil refinery near the Texas coast yesterday, Monday, sent thick columns of smoke into the air, forcing nearby residents to remain in their homes, according to officials.
City Mayor Charlotte Moses said that no injuries were recorded as a result of the explosion that occurred at the Valeor refinery in Port Arthur, located about 145 kilometers east of Houston.
She called on residents in parts of the city’s western side to remain in their homes, noting the arrival of fire brigades.
She added, “There was an explosion, but we are fine. Everyone is fine. They are trying to put out the fire as quickly as possible.”
This explosion comes at a time when fuel prices are rising, driven by uncertainty about global oil supplies due to the war in Iran.
The refinery employs about 770 employees, and its refining capacity is about 435 thousand barrels per day, according to the company’s website, as it refines heavy, high-sulfur crude oil to produce gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
