San Antonio refinery fire | Known safety violations at refinery

The San Antonio refinery explosion happened at a refinery that had been cited for OSHA violations. Image from Flickr.

Wednesday morning, just a few hours after the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama exploded, a San Antonio refinery fire sent a plume of black smoke into the air. The San Antonio refinery fire started when an 18-wheeler truck being loaded with fuel exploded. The San Antonio refinery explosion set off a series of chain-reaction explosions at the refinery that lasted 45 minutes or more.

San Antonio refinery fire still burning

More than 100 firefighters and emergency responders were at the scene of the San Antonio refinery fire today. All residents within a half-mile of the explosion have been evacuated. The private money lenders and other financiers of AGE Refining, Inc., are set to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars. The plume of smoke from the fire could be seen from as far as 40 miles away. Given that the San Antonio refinery fire is fuel-based, it will likely burn very hot and for a very long time.

San Antonio refinery explosion started by 18-wheeler

The San Antonio refinery explosion was started by an 18-wheeler truck. The truck was in a loading dock, being pumped full of fuel, when it exploded. This set off a chain reaction of explosions within the refinery and started a fire that is expected to burn for several days. Hazmat crews and firefighters were working to shut off the valves that were still pumping fuel after the fire began.

OSHA violations before the San Antonio refinery explosion

Before the San Antonio refinery fire this morning, AGE Refining, Inc., had been cited several times for safety violations. In 2007, the San Antonio refinery was fined for 13 “serious violations.” According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, those 13 violations remain “current.” The only refinery in San Antonio, AGE Refining provides jet fuel and diesel to the U.S. Air Force and other customers.