Doha: A massive explosion at a Texas crude oil refinery shot up towering plumes of dark smoke and physically shook locals' homes before they were ordered to shelter in place. A loud boom resounded throughout the western part of Port Arthur, Texas, on Monday night when part of a Valero refinery exploded, authorities reported.

According to Qatar News Agency, clouds of black smoke spilled out of the refinery, sparking health concerns among residents and forcing city officials to put out a shelter-in-place order for the city's west end. The facility employs roughly 800 workers and is responsible for producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.