A shelter-in-place was announced for residents in Port Arthur, Texas, on Monday, March 23, after a massive blaze erupted and was followed by an explosion at the Valero refinery. Videos shared on social media platforms show large smoke with flames blowing from the structure, which is visible for miles.
A CCTV video circulating online shows the ground shaking like an earthquake during the refinery explosion, creating panic among residents. However, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Port Arthur Police Department ordered shelter-in-place for nearby residents. The police informed citizens that the road closure in and around the area of highway 82 & 87. Local emergency officials said crews were en route to respond to the incident.
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Further details about the cause or effects of the explosion were not immediately available. The Valero refinery in Port Arthur is one of the largest in the U.S., capable of processing 360,000 barrels of oil a day.