An explosion occurred at a refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, USA on the 23rd.
The Port Arthur emergency management department subsequently issued an alert, ordering immediate shelter-in-place for all residents nearby to ensure their safety. This order applies to a large area surrounding the refinery.
In addition, Valero Energy Corporation stated in a press release that a unit at its refinery in Port Arthur, Texas caught fire. All personnel have been confirmed safe.
The refinery, located about 90 miles east of Houston, employs nearly 800 workers and is responsible for processing heavy sour crude oil and other feedstocks into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, with a daily output of approximately 435,000 barrels.
Videos circulating on social media show that the explosion triggered a blaze, with thick smoke billowing into the sky.