CHALMETTE, La. (WVUE) – A large plume of smoke was seen over St. Bernard Parish on Friday after residents in a Chalmette community reported hearing a loud explosion.
Chalmette Refining said the fire happened around 12:51 p.m. Friday on an operating unit at the refinery.
In a statement, the company said refinery personnel responded quickly and fence-line monitoring confirmed no off-site impacts. Chalmette Refining said everyone working in the area is safe and accounted for.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
The incident initially prompted traffic closures near the refinery, but all lanes have reopened, according to St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kim Gritter. Law enforcement remained in the area conducting traffic control.
Motorists are still being asked to avoid the area.
The fire is contained, according to the St. Bernard Parish Fire Department.
People who were working on St. Bernard Highway told Fox 8 their ears were hurting and ringing after the blast. Some also said ceiling tiles fell from the force of the explosion.
This is a developing story. Check back with Fox 8 for updates as more details become available.
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