Major Fire at ExxonMobil oil refinery in Texas, several people injured
An explosion caused a fire at an ExxonMobil oil refinery in Texas early Thursday, injuring many workers.
At least three individuals were flown to hospitals by air ambulance after a “major industrial accident” in Baytown, some 25 miles east of Houston.
“some injuries” were recorded, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. It advised locals to avoid the area after the incident at approximately 1 a.m. (2 a.m. ET).
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of Harris County reported at least four individuals were hurt, three via air ambulance. He added a fourth person was being taken to hospital.
Initial reports indicated “some type of explosion” within the factory, Gonzalez added.
He said there was no indication that adjacent neighbours should evacuate or shelter-in-place.
Rohan Davis, a refinery manager for ExxonMobil, said all four patients seemed to be in stable condition during a 5:30 a.m. ET press conference.
Davis claimed he couldn’t confirm an explosion at the site.
“At this time, we’re still collecting all that information,” he said, adding: “We will conduct a full and thorough investigation.”
Several residents described an “explosion” that shook their homes on Twitter.
“Explosion at Exxon!” wrote one. “It rumbled my apartment and knocked my pictures off the wall.”
“Hope and pray everyone at Exxon tonight is safe,” they tweeted.
An apparent explosion “explosion made my house jump.” stated another.
ExxonMobil said its emergency response teams were still fighting the blaze.
An industrial hygiene team was monitoring the site and fence line air quality. The blaze has so far had no detrimental effects, it added.
We apologise for any interruption or annoyance this event may have caused the community.
There’s also a 560,000-bpd oil refinery there, according to Reuters.
The Baytown Fire Department reported its teams were not called.