Police in Port Arthur, Texas, asked residents to shelter in place on Monday evening following reports of an explosion at a Valero refinery in the community.
Local news outlets reported a large explosion had taken place, sending a plume of black smoke into the sky.
Port Arthur police later confirmed a Valero refinery as the scene of the explosion.
There were no immediate reports of injuries, according to officials who spoke to local news outlets.
Police asked residents on the west side of the city to shelter in place.
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The shelter order would remain in effectuntil emergency personnel gave the all clear, the city's emergency management agency and mayor said.
The Texas state department of transportation directed drivers to avoid the area.
Local emergency officials said crews were en route to respond to the incident.
Further details about the cause or effects of the explosion were not immediately available.
The Valero refinery in Port Arthur isone of the largest in the U.S., capable of processing 360,000 barrels of oil a day.
This is a developing story. Stay with Scripps News for continued updates.