Texaco Refinery Vat Ruptures, Injuring 7

Seven workers were burned, one critically, Wednesday when a heating vat at Texaco’s refinery in Wilmington ruptured, spattering hot crude oil onto the men, Los Angeles fire officials said.

Fire investigators said the petroleum was being treated with a powdery catalyst when the rupture occurred at 9:05 a.m. at the refinery at 2101 E. Pacific Coast Highway.

The injured men were taken to Memorial Medical Center of Long Beach, where five of them were treated for minor burns and released, a hospital spokesman said.

One worker, Benjamin Alejo, 34, of Long Beach, was in critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit with severe burns over portions of his body, the spokesman said.

Another man, Gary Klopp, 50, of Long Beach, was listed in fair condition with burns on his wrist and hands.

Fire officials said the cause of the vat’s rupture was unknown, and Texaco officials could not be reached for comment.

Investigators from the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health were sent to the refinery but their findings were not expected to be ready until Friday.