A large explosion was reported at an Exxon/Mobile refinery in Baytown, Texas after what local sheriff’s deputies called “a major industrial accident.”
At least four people were injured, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. One victim was in critical condition but stable, the other three were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
“At this time, emergency vehicles and smoke may be noticeable to the community. We are coordinating with local officials, and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” ExxonMobil Baytown Area said in a statement.
Rohan Davis, a refinery manager at the Baytown site, said that he could not confirm if an explosion had taken place,ABC News reported.
“At this time, we’re still collecting all that information,” he said. “We will conduct a full and thorough investigation.”
Baytown is located just east of Houston in its greater metropolitan area. Exxon’s refinery in the city was built in 1920 and is the company’s largest oil refinery in the United States.
It produces 584,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to thecompany’s website.
In 2019, another fire broke out at the facility,injuring 37 people.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has asked residents to avoid the area around the facility. No evacuation or shelter-in-place orders have been issued at this time.
The Post has reached out to the Baytown Fire Department and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
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