Explosion at Valero refinery in Port Arthur prompts shelter-in-place for west side residents

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — An explosion and large plume of smoke at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur prompted officials to order west-side residents to shelter in place, while nearby Nederland reported no impact from the incident Monday.

The shelter-in-place was issued for the west side of Port Arthur from Stilwell West to South of 73. Pleasure Island and Sabine Pass are included in the shelter-in-place.

Antonio Mitchell with the Port Arthur Fire Department confirmed an incident at the Valero facility.

"The type of incident is unknown at this time," Mitchell said not long after the explosion as his crews headed to the scene. ---More...

Happening Now: Explosion reported at Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas

This is one of the largest refineries on the Gulf Coast, with roughly 335,000 barrels per day capacity

Residents reported the boom rattling windows. They are told to take shelter pic.twitter.com/z2GSpXQJ7S

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes)March 24, 2026

Explosion reported at Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas

This is one of the largest refineries on the Gulf Coast, with roughly 335,000 barrels per day capacity

Residents reported the boom rattling windows. They are told to take shelter