Massive Explosion at Crude Oil Refinery Rocks Texas City as Residents Told to Shelter in Place

A massive explosion at a Texas crude oil refinery shot up towering plumes of dark smoke and physically shook locals’ homes before they were ordered to shelter in place Monday.

A loud boom resounded throughout the western part of Port Arthur, Texas on Monday afternoon when part of a Valero refinery exploded, local outlets reported.

Clouds of black smoke spilled out of the refinery, sparking health concerns among residents and forcing city officials to put out a shelter-in-place order for the west end.

One resident at the scene told 12News that the entire area reeked of rotten eggs — a smell commonly associated with sulfur.

Others told the outlet that the explosion rattled their homes and vehicles.

Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens suggested that the explosion may be linked to a mishap with a heating unit at the refinery, the outlet reported. (Read more from “Massive Explosion at Crude Oil Refinery Rocks Texas City as Residents Told to Shelter in Place” HERE)