Officials say no one injured in late-night blast
Chevron’s sprawling refinery in El Segundo was rattled by an explosion Thursday evening that ignited a major fire visible for miles along the coast. The incident, reported around 9:30 p.m., began in a processing unit tied to jet-fuel production. Company officials later said every worker was safe and no injuries had been reported.
Firefighters work through night to contain flames
Dozens of engines and emergency teams swarmed the scene, attacking the blaze into the early morning hours. By sunrise, authorities confirmed the fire had been contained, though crews stayed behind to cool equipment and prevent reignition. Neighbors described hearing concussive blasts and feeling their homes tremble. Local authorities briefly issued indoor-safety advisories, but evacuations were not required.
Cause unknown as regulators probe potential fallout
Investigators are still trying to determine what set off the explosion, with Chevron cooperating alongside state safety and environmental regulators. The El Segundo refinery is a key supplier of both gasoline and jet fuel to Southern California, including Los Angeles International Airport. Energy analysts warned that even a short disruption could affect regional supplies, though officials said overnight air monitoring had not revealed harmful pollution levels.
