India, March 25 -- A massive explosion at a Valero refinery in Port Arthur has left residents shaken, with eyewitnesses describing it as one of the most powerful blasts in decades. Authorities continue to enforce a shelter-in-place order and investigate the cause.

The explosion, reported on Monday, sent towering plumes of black smoke into the sky and was heard miles away, prompting emergency alerts for nearby communities. Officials have yet to confirm casualties, while response teams remain at the site to contain the situation and monitor air quality.

Witnesses have reported loud blasts that rocked car windows, per the Deep Dive.

A Port Arthur resident, John Beard, and an eyewitness said the Valero explosion was unlike anything he had ...