Blast rocks BP's Texas City refinery, at least 10 hurt

23 March 2005 20:33  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (CNI)--An explosion rocked BP’s Texas City refinery and chemical plant Wednesday afternoon.

 

The blast occurred shortly after 1 pm (1900 GMT) at the massive facility, according to reports. At least 10 people were transferred to the University of Texas Medical Branch in nearby Galveston. Local emergency crews were fighting a blaze more than an hour after the blast.

 

The Houston Ship Channel remained open but the barge holding area in Texas City was closed, said US Coast Guard spokesman Don Draga.

 

Nearby residents were asked to stay in their homes.

 

BP’s 30 refinery units sit on a 1,200 acre site just south of Houston. The refinery receives 460,000 bbls of oil/day and produces 30% of BP’s North American supply and 3% of the entire US supply, according to the refinery Website.

 

Some 2,000 employees work at the refinery.  

By: Brian Ford
+1 713 525 2653

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