A major explosion rocked an oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas on March 23, sending towering flames and thick black smoke into the sky. The incident occurred at a facility operated by Valero Energy, prompting local authorities to issue an immediate shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

Dramatic footage circulating in the media captured the intensity of the blaze, with flames shooting high above the refinery and dense smoke visible from miles away. Residents living close to the site reported hearing a powerful explosion that shook windows and buildings.

In response, emergency officials in Port Arthur acted quickly. “Following the recent explosion at the Valero refinery, a shelter-in-place order has been issued to ensure the safety of all residents in the surrounding area,” the city’s emergency response agency announced. The order covered a wide radius around the refinery, urging people to remain indoors and avoid exposure to potentially hazardous air.

Valero confirmed that the fire originated in one of the refinery’s processing units. Despite the severity of the incident, the company stated that all employees were accounted for and safe.