TORRANCE: An explosion and fire ripped through a gasoline processing unit at an Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, California, near Los Angeles on Wednesday, slightly injuring four workers and shattering windows of surrounding buildings, authorities said.

The cause of the blast, shortly before 9 am PST (1700 GMT), was under investigation, but there was no evidence of foul play, said Torrance Fire Captain Steve Deuel.

“All personnel have been accounted for,” Exxon said in a statement. “Four contractors have been taken to Long Beach Medical Center for evaluation for minor injuries.” Torrance Mayor Patrick Furey told local television station KNBC in an interview that people who live near the refinery should take precautions.

“The most important thing is to shelter in place, stay indoors, no outdoor activity, turn the air conditioners off, keep the windows closed,” Furey told the station.

In a Twitter message, audio engineer Jeff Narvaez said, “Pretty sure I’m going to die with this oil refinery blowing right in front of my work.” The tweet was accompanied by a photo of two large flares burning off gas and emitting thick black smoke.

Exxon Mobil’s shares extended morning losses after news of the blast before stabilizing. The shares were down 2 per cent at $91 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Deuel said a small ground fire following the explosion was quickly extinguished and that firefighters were working with refinery crews to contain a gasoline leak due to the blast.

Surrounding areas were not evacuated, but nearby schools kept students and staff indoors immediately after the explosion as a precaution, Deuel said.

The fire captain said structural damage appeared to be confined to the processing unit that blew up, but said the full extent of damage had yet to be ascertained.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2015

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