A powerful explosion rocked Chevron’s El Segundo oil refinery Thursday night, igniting a massive fireball and blaze that illuminated the Southern California sky for miles, sending shockwaves through nearby communities and prompting a swift emergency response.
The incident, which occurred around 9:30 p.m. local time, involved burning gasoline and diesel products but resulted in no injuries or evacuations, according to Chevron and local authorities.
The blast, described by witnesses as feeling like a small earthquake, originated from an isolated area within the sprawling facility California’s second-largest refinery, operational since 1911 and capable of processing 290,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
Chevron spokesperson Allison Cook confirmed that all refinery personnel and contractors were accounted for, with no hazardous emissions detected beyond the site’s perimeter monitoring system.
“Our on-site fire department, supported by local responders, quickly contained the flames,” Cook stated.
Firefighters from El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, and Los Angeles County rushed to the scene after multiple reports of smoke and an explosion, deploying water streams to battle the towering orange flames and billowing black smoke visible across the South Bay area.
El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel noted the refinery’s proximity to Los Angeles International Airport but assured residents there was no threat to aviation or public safety.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were briefed on the situation, with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinating support.
Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts: Mark Rogers, playing soccer at nearby Aviation Park, recalled, “I thought we got nuked or something,” as the ground shook and heavy smoke forced the game to end abruptly.
Keith Mohr, a Manhattan Beach resident south of the site, described the sudden roar and glow piercing the night.
Road closures were implemented near the refinery, and brief shelter-in-place orders were issued before being lifted as the fire was fully contained more than two hours later.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with Chevron and federal agencies expected to probe potential equipment failure or other factors.
This incident adds to a history of refinery challenges in the region, underscoring ongoing safety concerns at aging facilities amid California’s push for cleaner energy.
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