An explosion rocked Chevron’s El Segundo refinery in Southern California on Thursday night. As a result, flames and thick smoke rose high into the sky.
The blast was reported around 4:30 a.m. GMT. In fact, videos shared online showed a fireball and loud rumbling near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Moreover, the refinery is the largest on the U.S. West Coast, processing about 276,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel confirmed no injuries. In addition, local media reported that firefighters quickly contained the blaze to one section.
“There is no cause for alarm for El Segundo or nearby areas,” LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell explained.
Cause Under Investigation
However, the cause of the explosion is still unknown. Fire crews worked swiftly to stop the spread and limit the damage.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the situation. His office added that it is coordinating with state and local agencies to ensure public safety.
Smoke Visible for Miles
Additionally, residents across the South Bay area saw flames and smoke from miles away. According to the Los Angeles Times, the fire began to die down within an hour, although smoke continued to linger.
Refinery’s Importance
Chevron’s El Segundo plant remains critical to fuel supply in California. Therefore, any disruption could impact fuel prices and energy security across the region.
So far, officials have not confirmed if refinery operations will be significantly affected.
