Massive Explosion at Texas Oil Refinery, Cause Unknown — Residents Told to Shelter in Place

A massive explosion ripped through the Valero refinery in Port Arthur on Monday, sending a towering column of black smoke over the city and triggering an emergency response across Jefferson County. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

The explosion erupted inside the sprawling Gulf Coast facility shortly after noon, shaking nearby neighborhoods and prompting authorities to warn residents to stay inside as fire crews and industrial hazmat crews rushed to contain the incident. The explosion produced a thick plume visible for miles across southeast Texas, adding new scrutiny to one of the nation’s largest refining corridors as authorities worked to determine the cause of the explosion and assess potential dangers.

The Port Arthur Fire Department spokesperson told 12News NBC that the cause of the explosion and fire is unknown at this time. Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens said there were no injuries and no evacuations were ordered.

Local authorities acted quickly to warn residents after the explosion. “Residents on the west side of town are advised to shelter in place following the explosion,” Port Arthur police said. The city expanded the alert minutes later, asking residents in Sabine Pass, Pleasure Island and areas south of Highway 73 to stay home. Authorities said there were no immediate injuries and confirmed that “air quality and fire response is ongoing” as crews worked to contain the incident.

Port Arthur city officials have issued a shelter-in-place order for Sabine Pass, Pleasure Island, south of Highway 73 and from Stirlwell Boulevard to the west.

12NewsNow reported that all employees at the refinery are being accounted for.