Explosion at an oil refinery in New Orleans

No injuries were reported after an explosion and fire at an oil refinery in the New Orleans area on Friday, officials said.

Residents near the Chalmette refinery said they heard an explosion at around 1 p.m. The refinery is located in Chalmette, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of New Orleans.

Chalmette Refining Company said in a post on social media that a fire broke out in one of its operating units. The St. Bernard Fire Department worked with refinery employees to control the fire.

The company said, “Everyone working in the area is safe and well. The cause of the accident will be investigated.”