An explosion has rocked a Chevron oil refinery in the United States, sparking panic in the surrounding community and raising concerns about possible disruptions to fuel supplies.
Local authorities confirmed that the blast occurred late Thursday at one of Chevron’s major refining facilities, though the exact cause has not yet been determined. Emergency responders were immediately deployed to contain the fire and secure the area.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. Residents living nearby said the ground shook from the impact, prompting many to flee their homes.
Chevron, in a statement, said that safety protocols were activated and that the situation was brought under control within hours. The company also disclosed that a number of workers sustained injuries, though no fatalities had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
>Our priority remains the safety of our employees, contractors, and the surrounding community. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident,” the company said.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deployed a team to monitor air quality in the area amid fears of toxic emissions.
Energy analysts warn that the explosion could impact crude processing capacity and potentially affect fuel prices if the facility remains offline for an extended period.
Authorities assured the public that a full investigation will be carried out and pledged accountability for any lapses in safety standards.
