Two refinery explosions have rocked Texas in less than a week. A large refinery explosion at the ONEOK MBC Maintenance Facility in Mont Belvieu left 3 injured on Monday, while workers escaped a smaller explosion at the Delek Refinery in Big Spring on Saturday. The causes of both explosions are unknown at this time. The company involved in the large refinery explosion, ONEOK, is a Tulsa-based company with over 60,000 miles of pipelines. The company transports refined products, crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids.

At both the ONEOK and Delek plants, sections around the facilities were cordoned off with a rapid local fire response. No nearby residents have been reported injured as of publication. However, smoke injuries from oil processing facilities can take time to manifest.

A Rising Trend of Accidents

Texas, and the United States, has seen a worrying uptick in refinery and industrial-related accidents in the past year. In June, a fire broke out at the Marathon Refinery; in March, scaffolding collapsed at a Chevron facility near Pasadena; and in May, over 8,000 pounds of chlorine gas escaped at the Olin Corporation plant – in this case, community alert systems failed and local communities were forced to shelter-in-place. And in California, a Chevron refinery in El Segundo caught fire on Friday, but resulted in no injuries. That same plant has caught fire 5 times since 2015, according to recent reports.

This recent increase in accident activity could be related to deregulatory pressure from governing agencies. While great for business, this reduction in regulatory oversight often means cut corners for workers – less equipment, longer hours, more stress, and many other factors that can result in an increasingly unsafe work environment.

What Should I Do in Case of a Refinery Fire?

Thankfully, no one was hurt in Saturday’s fire. However, that doesn’t mean that workers and nearby residents should relax immediately. Refineries expirate toxic smoke that can sometimes reach miles. If you are involved with or nearby a refinery when it catches fire or explodes, follow these steps.

For refinery workers:

  • Follow the facility’s emergency response plan immediately.
  • Evacuate to designated muster points and avoid re-entering the site until cleared by safety personnel.
  • If trained and safe to do so, use fire suppression systems to contain small fires.
  • Report any injuries, chemical exposures, or missing personnel right away.

For nearby residents:

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  • Stay indoors and close all windows, doors, and vents to minimize smoke inhalation.
  • Monitor local news or official emergency alerts for evacuation orders or air-quality warnings.
  • Avoid traveling near the refinery or surrounding roads to keep routes open for emergency crews.
  • If you experience breathing difficulties, dizziness, or eye irritation, seek medical attention immediately.

In the case of a larger explosion, follow guidelines set out by local disaster relief and law enforcement officials – sometimes these explosions can demand a group effort, and prompt communication and coordination between the refinery, emergency responders, and the public can make the difference between a contained incident and a large-scale disaster.

Avoiding Refinery Fires

While no one was hurt on Saturday, it is still important to keep in mind basic safety and prevention techniques:

  • Follow strict maintenance and inspection schedules – Equipment such as valves, pipes, and pressure vessels should be regularly checked for corrosion, leaks, or mechanical wear. Even small leaks can allow vapors to escape, creating a serious fire hazard if left unaddressed.
  • Control ignition sources – Eliminate sparks, open flames, and static discharge in areas where flammable gases or vapors are present. This means using intrinsically safe tools, explosion-proof electrical equipment, and ensuring all containers are properly grounded and bonded during fuel or chemical transfers.
  • Practice safe chemical handling – All materials must be stored at the correct temperature and pressure, and incompatible substances should never be placed near each other. In short, follow Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) guidelines.
  • Wear personal protective equipment – Flame-resistant clothing, gloves, eye protection, and respiratory gear all provide a second line of defense against explosions and fires. It’s easy to brush off gear maintenance with the “accidents happen to other people” mentality, but eye and respiratory gear can make the difference between a slight annoyance and lung cancer. Ensure all gear is well maintained and fits properly.

Common Injuries from Refinery Fires

Even when a fire is quickly contained, refinery accidents can cause severe and long-lasting harm. Workers and first responders are often at the highest risk, but residents nearby can also suffer exposure-related injuries. Common refinery fire injuries include:

  • Burn injuries: Ranging from minor skin burns to life-threatening third-degree burns caused by direct contact with flames or hot surfaces.
  • Smoke inhalation: Breathing in toxic fumes can lead to lung damage, respiratory distress, or chronic breathing problems.
  • Chemical exposure: Many refinery products contain hazardous substances that can cause internal organ damage or long-term illness.
  • Blast injuries: Explosions can cause blunt-force trauma, hearing loss, or concussions from flying debris or pressure waves.
  • Psychological trauma: Witnessing or surviving a refinery fire can lead to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Contact a Refinery Explosion Lawyer

Thankfully, no injuries were reported in Saturday’s refinery explosion at the Delek Refinery. However, that does not mean that everyone involved is safe. When refineries immolate, even at a small scale, there can be serious fallout on the local community and for the workers involved.

The workers involved in Saturday’s fire should be proud of their quick response, but should also see a doctor soon to check for smoke debris or other injuries. Any residents that live immediately near the facility should also ensure they were unaffected by the fire.

The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian provide free consultations to those affected by refinery explosions. If you have been injured in a refinery fire or explosion, contact our office today at 713-714-1414 or contact us online.