May 14, 1999
Web posted at: 3:39 a.m. EDT (0739 GMT)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (CNN) -- A series of powerful explosions at a gasoline refinery injured at least seven people Thursday, five of them critically

One big explosion was followed by two smaller blasts at the Coastal Refinery. Coastal corporate spokesman Greg Clock says the explosions occurred in the company's gasoline production unit. A subsequent fire was contained around noon local time after burning for about one hour.

Clock said five of the injured were Coastal workers and the other two worked for contractors. All were taken to Spohn Memorial Hospital where five were listed in critical condition and two were in stable condition, he said.

Emergency officials did not evacuate the area, but told residents to shut their windows and stay indoors as a precaution. Authorities determined that the fire involved a petroleum product, but was not producing toxic smoke.

Police say the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined and is under investigation.

Coastal - Refining, Marketing and Chemicals Home Page
Corpus Christi Caller-Times' Caller.com

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.