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Four people were injured in an explosion at an apartment building in Torrance Sunday afternoon, officials said. ET), but there was no . Explosion Rocks ExxonMobil Refinery in Torrance, California. 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. U.S. Chemical Safety Board. Thick smoke rose from a mangled, multiple-story portion of the Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery, located south of the 405 Freeway, after the 8:50 a.m. blast. Times staff writer Tony Barboza contributed to this report. The refineries are the only two in the state that use the substance. / KCAL News. California fire crews respond to ExxonMobil refinery explosion - CBS News We need to ban MHF as soon as possible. All the while, officials at those facilities have defended the chemicals use as safe. Explosion, fire at ExxonMobil refinery rocks Torrance There was no sign of an announced safety rally at the refinery PBF had planned to hold for workers as a counterpoint to the demonstration so they could reflect upon the (2015) incident.. A powerful blast at an ExxonMobil oil refinery rocked Torrance, California, on Wednesday. Thick smoke rose from a mangled, multiple-story portion of the Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery, located south of the 405 Freeway, after the 8:50 a.m. blast. The remainder of the FCC unit is comprised of a portion of the reaction process and a series of pollution control equipment that uses air and is known as the air side of the unit. Chevron, for example, successfully converted its Salt Lake City refinery from HF to a new alkylation technology last year. The building has been undergoing renovations for some time, and the victims are believed to be remodelers working in one of the involved units, neighbors said. No injuries were reported, and the fire did not impact anything offsite. Ryan Zehl is the lawyer responsible for this website. California workplace regulators fined ExxonMobil more than $500 million for the violations related to the explosion. The rule would have required a gradual phase-out of MHF usage at both refineries, requiring an alternative catalyst, such as sulfuric acid. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, Best coffee city in the world? Minor injuries were reported after the explosion ripped apart structures at the oil refinery and shook homes for miles around the blast site in southern Los Angeles County. The additive does this by ensuring the chemical used as a liquid during refining doesnt turn into a gas. Across California, CA | News | 15h. There was a "large fire explosion" at the ExxonMobil Torrance Refinery in Southern California on Wednesday morning, according to the Torrance Police Department. An ExxonMobil refinery explosion in Torrance injured two, caused a 1.7 magnitude shake and portends pain at the pumps. But we had no idea about the danger.. "I just appreciate that I'm here. Visit our website, www.csb.gov. No injuries were reported and there were no evacuations. The refinery completed those improvements in 2020. Had we known then what we know now, Cliff Heise said, we wouldve run, not walked home.. TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- The Torrance Police Department issued an alert for the city, notifying them that the Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery had an explosion and fire early Saturday. The 2015 explosion, according to the CSB, caused the refinery to run at limited capacity for more than a year and raised gas prices in California costing drivers in the state an estimated $2.4. The refinery has been under constant scrutiny since the explosion as small fires and flare ups have been reported since and raised concern among residents living nearby. The refinery relied on safeguards that could not be verified, and re-used a previous procedure deviation without a sufficient hazard analysis of the current process conditions. Activists held an event Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of the explosion at the Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance that injured four workers. The ExxonMobil Explosion That Nobody Is Talking About Eight workers were decontaminated at the scene. Chairperson Sutherland said, Adoption of and adherence to a robust safety management process would have prevented these other incidents. For instance, the CSB found that during work leading up to the incident, workers violated corporate lock out tag out requirements. Before joining the newsroom in 2016, she was a general assignment reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com. Fortunately, the explosion did not release asbestos, but the material released contained fiberglass and glass wool which can cause respiratory issues. Please enter valid email address to continue. For a breakdown of the fees and expenses associated with the verdicts and settlements listed on our site, please visit our Results page. in communication and M.S. Instead, if a leak occurred, a ground-hugging liquid cloud would form, according to a 2018 report from the Torrance refinery defending its use of the chemical. The latest salvo in the battle over MHF came last month, when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors called for a ban on the highly toxic chemical. Torrance News - ABC7 Los Angeles Some said they heard one of the workers may have turned on the gas inside one of the apartments before it was completely ready. Torrance firefighters responded to the 23500 block of Anza Avenue just before 1:20 p.m. Sunday. Still, the explosion led to further safety measures, some the refineries put in voluntarily and others they did so essentially at the behest of government agencies. The explosion also launched an 80,000-pound piece of equipment within feet of a structure that housed a highly volatile and toxic substance, modified hydrofluoric acid. "Our main concern is for the safety of our employees and our neighbors.". Three were treated and released. A Philadelphia native, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in medical anthropology and global health. Advocates renew call for MHF ban on 8th anniversary of Torrance "You could feel it," said refinery worker Jason Hernandez. The CSBs report emphasizes that it is critical that hydrocarbons do not flow into the air side of the FCC unit, as this can create an explosive atmosphere. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The blast caused serious property damage to the refinery and scattered catalyst dust up to a mile away from the facility into the nearby community. (Credit: KTLA) The blast at the refinery, which is located in the 3700 block of West . Explosion at Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, California, injures four Notably absent from the event was any sign of Torrance elected officials, although police officers in several patrol cars discreetly kept their eye on the peaceful protesters from a distance. Fire, explosion reported at Torrance Refinery, police say All communications are private and confidential. PBF Energy, which now owns the Torrance Refining Co. refinery, denied that an explosion occurred. Since the February 2015 explosion, the refinery has experienced multiple incidents. Many in the neighborhood reported being startled by a large blast. The explosion was so severe that it caused residents in the area to experience a shock similar to the effects of a 1.7 magnitude earthquake. So far though, it doesn't appear as if any serious damage or injuries have occurred, barring reported explosions in Torrance. The CSB determined that on the day of the incident a slide valve that acted as a barrier failed. I wish the Torrance City Council had the courage to say that.. Four people were injured in an explosion at an apartment building in Torrance Sunday afternoon, officials said. Environmentalists and activists, though, argue that the additives levels in MHF have significantly decreased since the modified versions creation. explosion also launched an 80,000-pound piece of equipment, failure to follow safety guidelines was partly to blame for the blast. The couple was taking a stroll outside of North High Schools football field on the day of the 2015 explosion. Officials were not aware of their exact conditions, but witnesses said some were seriously hurt. We are very proud of the many technical advances we have added to our Alkylation Unit over the years, the refinery says on its website, which is additional proof of our continuing commitment to safe, reliable operations.. We voluntarily enhanced the Alkylation Units robust, layered safety systems already considered by experts to be amongst the most advanced in the world, Lafayette wrote, by installing additional safety enhancements.. Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released its final report into the February 18, 2015, explosion at the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance, California. The explosion filled surrounding neighborhoods with ash, fiberglass, and glass wool. The incident was reported around 1:15 p.m. on the 23500 block of Anza Avenue, just north of the Pacific Coast Highway, Assistant Torrance Fire Chief Robert Millea said. A reaction between hydrocarbons and catalyst takes place in what is known as the hydrocarbon side of the FCC unit. The improvements, though, also came after sustained pressure from the community and watchdog agencies. But at the time, theyd never heard of MHF and didnt think much of it. People, Donna Heise said, are becoming more aware if nothing else over the last seven years.. Overturned gas tanker explodes, killing 1 person, Texas mom in custody after 5 of her kids were stabbed, leaving 3 dead, Ja Morant says he'll get help after video shows apparent gun. Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Calmes: Heres what we should do about Marjorie Taylor Greene, ICE detainees allege retaliation for speaking about medical conditions at Otay Mesa center, Downtown L.A stabbing sends six to hospital; suspect arrested, San Diego Roman Catholic diocese facing yet another lawsuit from its insurance company, K-Pop isnt the only hot ticket in Koreatown how trot is captivating immigrants, Los Angeles is suddenly awash in waterfalls. In the late 1980s, ExxonMobil and Phillips 66 jointly created modified hydrofluoric acid, which boasts a chemical additive that, when used in high enough concentrations, can prevent the poisonous chemical from dispersing. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. With the capacity to refine more than 150,000 barrels of gasoline a day, the . They claim nothing has been done, she added, without any proof, other than their beliefs, which are incorrect and misleading.. The Torrance Refinery Action Alliance plans on Tuesday to deliver a letter from its science advisory panel to Newsoms office urging him to request that Atty. The cause of the accident was not immediately known, but it was believed to be caused by over pressurization in the plants electrostatic precipitators. CSB Chairperson Vanessa Allen Sutherland said, This explosion and near miss should not have happened, and likely would not have happened, had a more robust process safety management system been in place. 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 910 | Washington, DC 20006. Its been a few years now, and there has been very little progress.. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Manhattan Beach Crime & Safety News | Manhattan Beach, CA Patch Redondo Beach News, Breaking News in Redondo Beach, CA That failure ultimately allowed hydrocarbons to flow into the air side of the FCC, where they ignited in a piece of equipment called the electrostatic precipitator, or ESP, causing an explosion of the ESP. There have also been multiple safety enhancements to prevent leaks, they say. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Gavin Newsom to call for an investigation into the use of modified hydrofluoric acid at the facility, now operated by Torrance Refining Co., as well as by Valeros Wilmington refinery. The 2015 explosion, according to the CSB, caused the refinery to run at limited capacity for more than a year and raised gas prices in California costing drivers in the state an estimated $2.4. Flares from the stack, part of a safety relief valve system, are part of normal operations that occasionally produce a rumbling sound, like distant thunder, caused by turbulent mixing of vapors. By then, the husband said, theyd been living in the city long enough to know exactly what the sound was. April 8, 2018 / 2:50 PM / KCAL News. I cant believe they dont have the guts to stand up and say, This is wrong and MHF needs to be out of our community, she said. And then the people who were right by just felt a shake, like an earthquake.. In July 2016, the Torrance refinery was sold by ExxonMobil to PBF Holdings Company, LLC, which now operates as the Torrance Refining Company. Hours after an explosion ripped through a Torrance refinery, residents for miles around continue to grapple with ash, a gas odor and concerns over poor air quality while inspectors confirmed that a filtration device was the source of the blast. At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case. The governors office confirmed they received the request, but declined further comment. The machines are responsible for reducing ammonia and particulate emissions in a plant to comply with environmental regulations. Had the tanks ruptured, the report said, it would have caused a massive release of MHF, which can be deadly to anyone who comes in contact with it. Deuel told The Associated Press the flare system was triggered to burn off fuel that could add to the fire. The explosion was so severe that it caused residents in the area to experience a shock similar to the effects of a 1.7 magnitude earthquake. Four were taken to hospitals. Fire erupts at Torrance refinery just hours before protest rally Cuando utilizas nuestros sitios y aplicaciones, usamos. Thousands of people could have been harmed if the MHF had dispersed beyond the Torrance refinery in 2015, the CSB report said. Investigators are still looking into the cause of the explosion, wh. The cause of the explosion was not known. Torrance fire Capt. Blast Blamed on Gas Buildup - Los Angeles Times This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. All rights reserved, Los Angeles County Holds Stable COVID-19 Hospitalization Rate, Tax Deadlines Extended to October for Most Californians Due to Storms, Check Your Pockets: These Coins Can Be Worth Up To $24,000, Glendale Neighborhood Frustrated After an Illegal Hostel Moves In, Road Rage Incident Kicks Off Pursuit, Carjacking, and Weapon Fired Out Window in Wild Chase, NASA Images Show Southern California Mountains Before and After Winter Storm. For decades, hydrofluoric acid was a standard chemical in oil refining, serving as a catalyst during a process known as alkylation. The CSB is an independent, non-regulatory federal agency charged with investigating serious chemical incidents. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The proposal had plenty of support: Reps. Nanette Barragan, Ted Lieu and Maxine Waters wrote letters urging the AQMD to pass the rule and phase MHF out of Southern California. Explosion Rocks ExxonMobil Refinery in Torrance, California - NBC News Environmentalists and concerned residents say MHF could prove catastrophic if the chemical were to escape, pointing to its corrosivity and studies that show its ability to travel beyond a refinerys footprint. When you think about it, she said, it makes you not want to sleep at night.. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for any areas where residents can see or smell smoke. ExxonMobil's Torrance Refinery Sold Amid Report Of Potential Disaster One person remained hospitalized with a knee injury. Explosion at Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, California, injures four The explosion was mostly contained to two of the buildings units, with each sustaining significant damage. It was unclear what caused the fire. The incident caused the refinery to be run at limited capacity for over a year, raising gas prices in California and costing drivers in the state an estimated $2.4 billion. If you or a loved one were injured or burned in a plant or refinery fire, contact ourplant and refinery accident attorneysfor a free consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or by Clicking Here. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. The Heises, for their part, are still working to educate residents in Torrance and Wilmington about their MHF concerns and are grateful the issue is still being monitored. The fire, possibly triggered by an explosion that has not yet been confirmed, was reported at 6 a.m. Saturday in the plant's crude oil unit, said Torrance Assistant Fire Chief Steve Treskes. The fire was reported to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and California Office of Emergency Services, police said. The Torrance Police Department issued an alert for the city, notifying them that the Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery had an explosion and fire early Saturday morning. The information you review on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.The verdicts and settlements that we have listed are simply intended to be representative of the cases that Zehl & Associates has handled for past clients; they are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome in your or any other lawsuit. 6 Min Read. Our Manhattan Beach office is physically closed at this time. The issues to be discussed include A decision not to use the ExxonMobil emergency siren to alert the community to the explosion and subsequent ash and dust fallout.. Two others sustained minor injuries. Investigators were trying to determine the cause of the blast, which occurred shortly before 9 a.m. PST . For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen, cell 202-446-8094 or email public@csb.gov. TORRANCE, Calif. (Reuters) - An explosion and fire ripped through a gasoline processing unit at an Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, California, near Los Angeles on Wednesday, slightly .