Fireball at Texas refinery sparks emergency response and regional lockdown
A Texan oil refinery has exploded, shaking residents’ homes as they are urged to find shelter.
The Valero refinery in Port Arthur, which produces 380,000 barrels of fuel per day, sent smoke billowing into the sky after it exploded yesterday evening.
The blast was heard as far as 11 miles away, and locals in the East Texas region on the Louisiana border have been urged to shelter-in-place.
Port Arthur emergency management officials wrote in an alert: ‘To ensure the safety of all residents in the vicinity and in light of the recent explosion at the Valero refinery, an immediate shelter in place is ordered.
‘Currently there is a fire in a unit at Valero’s Port Arthur, Texas refinery. All personnel have been accounted for.’
Valero said: ‘Currently, there is a fire in a unit at Valero’s Port Arthur, Texas refinery. All personnel have been accounted for. Valero’s emergency response team is responding and coordinating with local authorities.
‘As a precaution, Jefferson County officials have closed State Highways 82 and 87. As always, the safety of our workers is our top priority.’
This morning oil prices began to fall after costs surged following Trump’s Operation Epic Fury.
Oil deliveries have been significantly disrupted through the Strait of Hormuz and missiles are launched across the Middle East.
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