Port Arthur refinery explosion triggers shelter-in-place, school delay

An explosion at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur led to a shelter-in-place order for residents. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo by STAN HONDA / AFP) (Photo by STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images) STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images

A shelter-in-place order was lifted in Port Arthur nearly 12 hours after an explosion at the city’s Valero refinery.

The order had been issued for the west side of Port Arthur, from Stilwell Boulevard west to areas south of Texas 73. Pleasure Island and Sabine Pass were also included.

Antonio Mitchell of the Port Arthur Fire Department confirmed an incident at the Valero facility. According to a press release, the blast happened around 6:30 p.m. Monday.

"The type of incident is unknown at this time," Mitchell said.

Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens said no one was injured. Officials said the explosion may have involved a heater unit.

Where was the Port Arthur incident?

According to reports, witnesses near the area said they heard a loud boom that rattled car windows.

School delays, closures after explosion

Classes at Port Arthur ISD’s Booker T. Washington Elementary and Abraham Lincoln Fine Arts Academy will begin at 9 a.m., according to the district. Buses will run on their normal schedule, and students will not be considered tardy before 9 a.m.

Classes at Sabine Pass School remain canceled.

The shelter-in-place order had covered the west side of Port Arthur from Stilwell Boulevard west to areas south of Texas 73, as well as Pleasure Island and Sabine Pass.

You can see the aftermath of the explosion below.

March 24, 2026