Initial reports indicated there was an explosion, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
Authorities in Texas said they were investigating a “major industrial accident” at an Exxon Mobil plant in Baytown, Texas.
“Some injuries have been reported. Please avoid the area,” the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said on Twitter.
Initial reports indicated some type of explosion occurred inside the plant, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Four people may be injured, with three taken from the scene by Lifeflight and one by ambulance, he said.
For now, no reports to evacuate or shelter-in-place for residents in the immediate area, Gonzalez said.
“Around 1 a.m. on 12/23/2021, a fire occurred at our facility,” Exxon Mobil Baytown Area said on Twitter. “At this time, emergency vehicles and smoke may be noticeable to the community. We are coordinating with local officials, and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”
Exxon Mobil’s Baytown complex covers about 3,400 acres about 25 miles east of Houston, according to the company’s website. Its local refinery can process about 584,000 barrels of crude oil each day.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
