A strong explosion rocked the oil refinery of Alon USA Energy Inc. (NYSE:ALJ) near Big Spring, Texas. The cause of the blast, which occurred on Monday at approximately 4:15 pm (Israel time), was not known.
By yesterday evening, the fire had been contained and was in the process of being extinguished.
A thorough investigation will begin as soon as reasonably possible. Four workers were injured but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening and are being treated at area hospitals.
Alon USA president and CEO Jeff D. Morris said, "We are concerned by this unfortunate accident, and our main focus right now is on the welfare of the injured workers and their families as well as on ensuring that the refinery is safe for investigators to begin determining the source and cause of the explosion.
The refinery employs 170 people and can process up to 70,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Alon USA operating primarily in the south central, southwestern and western regions of the United States.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 19, 2008
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2008