Massive explosion rips through Texas oil refinery, ‘stay indoors’ warning issued

A powerful explosion at a major oil refinery near the Texas Gulf Coast triggered a large fire and forced authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents , while emergency crews rushed to contain the blaze and monitor air quality.

The incident occurred Monday at the Valero Energy refinery in Port Arthur , about 145 kilometres east of Houston . The blast sent massive flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky, with residents reporting a loud boom that shook homes and rattled windows across parts of the city.

Local officials said all workers were accounted for and no major injuries were immediately reported , although some reports later indicated minor injuries following the explosion.

Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte M. Moses said firefighters quickly responded to the scene and reassured residents that emergency teams were working to extinguish the fire. Authorities asked residents on the west side of the city to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor activity until an “all clear” is issued.

Investigations indicate the explosion occurred at a diesel hydrotreater unit , a facility used to remove sulfur from fuels during the refining process. The damaged unit has a capacity of about 47,000 barrels per day , and its shutdown forced the company to halt operations at parts of the large refinery complex.

Emergency management officials deployed air-monitoring teams to check for hazardous emissions, while the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality worked with local and state responders to assess environmental risks.

Authorities also closed nearby state highways and restricted traffic around the refinery as a precaution while emergency crews worked at the site.

Preliminary reports suggest the blast may have been triggered by a malfunctioning industrial heater , though investigators have not yet confirmed the exact cause.

The refinery employs roughly 770 workers and can process about 435,000 barrels of crude oil per day , producing gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The incident comes at a time of rising fuel prices and global supply concerns linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting oil markets.

Officials said the fire response and investigation were continuing, and authorities will determine the full extent of the damage and environmental impact once the situation is fully under control.