ANACORTES, Washington – Four refinery workers were injured and three are still missing after an explosion and fire rocked the Tesoro oil refinery in Washington state early Friday morning, officials said.
Tesoro Refinery human resources manager John McDarment says the blaze started in a naptha unit of the complex.
The Skagit County and Anacortes fire departments sent crews to battle the fire that erupted at 12:40 a.m. PT Friday, while Airlift Northwest told King-TV that three helicopters were dispatched.
McDarment says the plant activated emergency response procedures and that the fire was brought under control by Tesoro emergency personnel.
Airlift Northwest sent three helicopters to the scene.
KING 5 News out of Seattle began receiving phone calls reporting the refinery explosion around 12:30 am. Several people called KING 5 News after hearing or feeling the explosion. One particular caller, Jason Chinchen, says he lives three to four miles away from the refinery and felt his windows shake. Chinchen said immediately afterwards, there was a noise that sounded like a jet flying overhead, a kind of loud wind.
Witnesses in houses as far away as 5 miles said they felt their houses shake, then saw flames and black smoke.
If you, your loved one or relative have suffered injuries or death due to a refinery fire or explosion, consider giving the good folks at Chandler, Mathis and Zivley a call. The Chandler firm has many years experience represent clients who’ve suffered injury or death from refinery and gas plant fires and explosions.
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