Explosion At Valero Refinery , Huge Fire , Smoke Seen As Texas Plant Blows Up

Texas : A loud explosion was reported at a refinery operated by Valero Energy in Port Arthur , Texas , prompting officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

Heavy thick plumes of black smoke was seen rising in the sky , the videos of the blast are circulating online through which the loud sound of the blast can be heard . The incident is still under investigation . The explosion was reported on March 23 at 7:22 pm.

According to the report , eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion that shook nearby homes , followed by visible flames and dense smoke.

Emergency responders, including fire crews and hazmat teams were deployed to control the situation. They confirmed it as an active situation , however they have not released any detailed information yet .

So far , no casualties have been recorded, and authorities have stated that evacuations are not currently necessary. Officials are scanning the air quality to determine whether toxic substances have been rleased into the surrounding area. The shelter-in-place order will remain in effect until it is deemed safe for residents to resume normal activities.