Massive fire and explosion near refinery row in Corpus Christi

Source

Emergency crews on Friday were responding to an explosion and fire near the Port of Corpus Christi that resulted in several injuries, according to local officials.

The fire occurred shortly after 9:00 AM ET (1300 GMT) in an area referred to as “refinery row,” due to its proximity to several refining facilities, according to a spokeswoman for the Corpus Christi fire department. It was not immediately clear who owns or operates the infrastructure that caught on fire.

A dredge on fire in the Port of Corpus Christi Ship Channel, in Texas, on Aug. 21, 2020. (Courtesy of U.S. Costal Guard)

Corpus Christi is home to a number of oil refineries and shipping ports, and has become an important exporting locale for crude oil. Valero on Friday said operations at its refinery were normal.

Information sourced from Corpus Christi police details that the incident occurred near Lantana and along River Road. Authorities said six people have been transported to the hospital.