Jet fuel explodes at oil and chemical facility in Carson, injuring 4
Four people were injured when an explosion ignited a fire at an oil and chemical storage terminal in Carson early Monday.
The blaze was reported about 5:40 a.m. at Kinder Morgan’s terminal at 2000 E. Sepulveda Blvd. The explosion occurred as jet fuel was being loaded into a tanker truck, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
It took about 100 firefighters less than an hour to knock down the resulting blaze, authorities said. Video from the scene showed fire engines spraying the facility with white foam.
Fire officials initially said three people were hospitalized, but later clarified that only one person was taken to a hospital. Three others were treated at the scene.
Kinder Morgan’s terminal comprises about 100 acres and handles crude oil, finished petroleum products, ethanol and refinery feedstocks, according to its website.
James Hale, who works near the facility, told KTLA-TV that the explosion was large enough that he could feel it more than a mile away.
“I jumped up, man,” he said. “Then I looked out, and I saw massive smoke.”
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Twitter: @Hannahnfry
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