Shelter in place issued for residents in Port Arthur after explosion at Valero refinery

PORT ARTHUR, Texas – Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens has issued a shelter-in-place order for residents on the west side of Port Arthur following reports of an explosion at the Valero refinery.

Videos sent in by viewers show a large fire at the refinery, with thick smoke billowing into the sky. Multiple videos circulating online appear to capture both the explosion and the fire that followed.

The explosion comes amid a spike in gas prices driven by uncertainty over the global oil supply because of the Iran war.

The refinery has about 770 employees and can process about 435,000 barrels of oil per day, according to Valero’s website. The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.

KFDM News in Beaumont sent KPRC 2 videos of the scene. Pat Sebastian also gave KPRC 2 permission to use his footage with credit.

According to the Port Arthur Police Department via Facebook, residents in the affected area are advised to shelter in place.

Officials also warn to expect road closures around Highways 82 and 87, along with traffic disruptions on surrounding roadways.

At this time, no injuries have been reported.

“There’s been an explosion, yes, but we’re OK; everybody’s OK,” Mayor Charlotte M. Moses said. “They’re trying to put the fire out as quickly as possible.”

Texas state Rep. Christian Manuel said in a post on social media that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had arrived at the refinery with air monitoring equipment and was working with local and state partners.

He told nearby residents to stay inside.

“Please limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed, and follow guidance from local officials,” he said.

KFDM News in Beaumont contributed to this coverage. Read their article here.