New Delhi, March 24 -- Local authorities in Texas issued an immediate shelter-in-place order on Monday (March 23) following an explosion at Valero's Port Arthur refinery, as emergency crews responded to an active fire at the facility.

"To ensure the safety of all residents in the vicinity and in light of the recent explosion at the Valero refinery, an immediate shelter in place is ordered," Port Arthur emergency management officials said in a public alert, applying the directive to a wide area surrounding the site.

Valero confirmed that a fire had broken out within one of the refinery's units but stated that all personnel had been accounted for. "Currently there is a fire in a unit at Valero's Port Arthur, Texas refinery. All personnel ...