Massive Explosion and Fire at Chevron Refinery in El Segundo
A massive explosion and fire at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, California, on Thursday evening sent towering flames and smoke into the sky, visible for miles across the South Bay. Residents felt a powerful blast around 9:30 p.m., with orange flames and smoke plumes filling the air.
The blaze started in the refinery's hydrocracking unit, which produces jet fuel and diesel. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District have responded to the incident. Chevron will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Authorities are still investigating the accident. The lawyer representing the lawsuit against Chevron regarding the incident has not been made public. Elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were recorded by monitors surrounding the refinery, which can cause various health issues when inhaled. The fire was contained by Friday morning, but its cause remains unclear. If the refinery has to shut down, especially for an extended period, it could significantly raise gasoline prices.
The Chevron refinery in El Segundo is the state's second-largest, operating in a shrinking landscape of oil refiners. The fire originated in a processing unit in the southeast corner of the refinery. Officials are working to ensure the safety of the community and prevent any further disruptions to the fuel supply.
