A loud explosion was reported at the Valero oil refinery in Port Arthur on Monday evening. Following the blast, a large fire broke out, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. Videos circulating online captured the moment of the explosion. Port Arthur police confirmed the incident and advised nearby residents to take shelter as a precaution. Authorities noted that there were no reported injuries.

What We Know About The Incident

The cause of the incident is not yet known, and an investigation is currently underway. The explosion occurred at approximately 7:22 pm, according to officials. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a powerful blast that shook nearby homes, followed by visible flames and dense smoke rising from the refinery. Emergency responders, including fire crews and hazardous materials teams, were dispatched to the scene to contain the situation. 

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Fire Caused By Heater

Antonio Mitchell of the Port Arthur Fire Department stated, “We don’t have units at the scene currently; they’re en route. The type of incident is unknown at this time.” Meanwhile, local broadcaster KFSM quoted Sheriff Zena Stephens, who stated that the explosion may have been caused by an industrial heater. An official statement on the matter is awaited. The Valero refinery in Port Arthur is one of the largest in the US, with a processing capacity of around 360,000 barrels of oil per day.

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