The explosion Monday at the Valero Energy refinery in Port Arthur, Texas sparked speculation that it could be linked to a potential retaliation from Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli strikes.
But those claims were put to rest by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office, which had confirmed earlier that the fire was caused by a heater. Now, Donta Miller, the chief deputy of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed that they are not investigating the explosion as a deliberate act.
“No, we’re not investigating it as that,” Miller said when asked if there was any foul play involved in Monday’s oil refinery explosion, per Reuters.
The explosion occurred around 7:22pm local time, sending thick black smoke skyward and prompting a shelter-in-place order for west Port Arthur residents. It resulted in no injuries, and all personnel were accounted for.
Also read: Valero provides update after explosion at Port Arthur, Texas refinery, ‘As a precaution…’
What Caused The Fire? More Details Emerge
Although the investigation into the incident is still underway, preliminary reports state that the fire was caused by the explosion in a diesel hydrotreater, Reuters reported. Plat workers cited in the report noted that the blast was felt within an 11-mile radius of the plant.
The sources cited by Reuters added that soon after the blast, Valero Energy officials shut down the refinery. The closure prevented hydrogen or hydrocarbons from further fueling the fire. The fire burned all of Monday and was eventually extinguished early Tuesday morning.
Valero, Local Judge Addresses Air Quality Concerns
The fire burned for nearly 10 hours, causing thick, dark oil smoke to enter the air, sparking concern among Port Arthur residents. Amid that, Valero issued a statement jointly with Port Arthur Fire Department and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality assuring that there is “no concern” with the air quality.
Also read: Valero refinery explosion: IRGC’s ‘strategy change’ sparks buzz amid Port Arthur incident
Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick, who lifted the shelter-in-place order on Monday, also provided an update on the air quality.
“Air monitoring being performed by Valero, EPA, TCEQ and others did not indicate exceedances of safe thresholds at this point,” the judge said. “In the coming weeks, we should have a much better idea of the cause of the explosion. Jefferson County will work with Valero in an after action review to better prepare for and respond to any emergencies that might occur in our community.”
