A huge explosion at Chevron’s El Segundo oil refinery in southern California sent plumes of smoke and flames towering into the night sky on Thursday, sparking panic across Los Angeles County.
Residents reported hearing a loud, extended rumble as a fireball rose from the facility, which sits just a few miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke billowing above the coastal suburb.
Officials Say No Injuries Reported
El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel confirmed late Thursday that no injuries had been reported, though the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“It has been contained and there is no cause for alarm for El Segundo or the surrounding areas,” said LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who noted that firefighters were able to restrict the blaze to one section of the refinery.
Governor Newsom Briefed on Incident
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed and his office said it is coordinating with local and state agencies to ensure public safety.
“Our office is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety,” his press team wrote on X.
Flames Visible for Miles
The Los Angeles Times reported that the flames, though reduced, remained visible nearly an hour after the blast at around 4:30 GMT. Residents across the South Bay area said they could see smoke from several miles away.
Largest Refinery on US West Coast
The El Segundo refinery is Chevron’s largest facility on the US West Coast, with a processing capacity of more than 276,000 barrels of crude per day, according to the company.
Local authorities and AFP are awaiting further details on the extent of the damage and whether refinery operations will be affected in the coming days.
