Chip Roy Calls for Answers After Explosion Rocks Port Arthur Refinery

Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) is demanding a full account of what went wrong after an explosion and massive smoke plume erupted at a Valero refinery in Port Arthur on Monday, prompting authorities to order nearby residents to shelter in place.

Rep. Roy took to X shortly after the blast, expressing concern for those at the scene and pressing for accountability.

"Praying for all the workers and first responders. We need a swift report on what occurred," Roy wrote.

The explosion rattled car windows across the Mid-County area, with witnesses describing a loud boom and a strong smell of rotten eggs near the scene.

Residents on the west side of Port Arthur were ordered to shelter in place as emergency crews responded.

Antonio Mitchell with the Port Arthur Fire Department confirmed an incident had occurred at the Valero facility but said early on that "the type of incident is unknown at this time."

Additionally, Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens suggested the explosion may have involved a heater unit at the plant.

Interim Port Arthur Fire Chief Louie Havens said two engines were initially dispatched to the refinery, followed by a hazmat team.

Beaumont Fire Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office joined Port Arthur crews at the scene. Officials confirmed that no injuries or deaths had been reported as of Monday, and no evacuations had been ordered.

Authorities Are Monitoring

Authorities added that air quality in the surrounding area was being actively monitored.

The neighboring city of Nederland issued a statement saying its police and fire departments were patrolling and conducting air monitoring on the city's south side. "At this time, there is no impact to the City of Nederland," officials said.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality deployed emergency coordinators and mobile air monitoring equipment to the area, while the Texas Department of Transportation urged drivers to avoid State Highways 87 and 82 near the refinery.

The cause of the explosion remained under investigation as of Monday evening.