An explosion at a Valero Energy refinery in Chalmette, Louisiana, left one worker injured early last Friday morning.
Explosion Erupted on Valero Meraux Refinery Hydrocracking Unit
Emergency responders were called to the Valero Meraux Refinery, located at 2235 Jacob Drive in St. Bernard Parish, around 12:45 a.m. on April 10th. According to local media outlets, the massive blast was felt for miles and lit up the night sky across St. Bernard Parish and parts of New Orleans.
While it’s not clear what caused the explosion, it appears to have erupted on the refinery’s hydrocracking unit and may have involved a blown pressure valve.
Valero Refinery Worker Rushed to Local Hospital
Emergency crews were able to contain the resulting fire to the unit, and the blaze was under control by 3:00 a.m.
The injured worker traveled to a local hospital via ambulance. So far, however, authorities have not identified the victim, confirmed if they worked for Valero or an outside contractor, or commented on the nature of their injuries.
Fortunately, all other Valero refinery workers have been accounted for.
About the Valero Meraux Refinery
Valero Energy is the second-largest refiner in the nation and operates 15 petroleum refineries in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The 550-acre Valero Meraux Refinery employs around 300 workers and has a total throughput capacity of 135,000 barrels per day.
The last serious accident involving the Valero Meraux Refinery occurred in February 2017, when a compressor fire erupted in an area rarely frequented by workers. Fortunately, no one was hurt in connection with that incident.
Like many other refiners around the world, Valero Energy has been forced to cut production because of reduced demand in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic. Last month, Reuters reported that an employee at the Valero Meraux Refinery had tested positive for COVID-19, the second case of a refinery worker in the United States to contract the novel coronavirus.
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Our Undefeated Plant Accident Lawyers are investigating the explosion and fire at the Valero Meraux Refinery in Chalmette, Louisiana, and will post an update when more information becomes available.
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