Refinery explosion has neighbors worried

Two plant workers were sent to the hospital, expected OK

PASADENA, Texas – People living near the Pasadena Refining System Inc. plant said they're worried about chemicals in the air after an explosion sent two people to the hospital Saturday.

The first of two explosions happened at 7 p.m. at the plant on Red Bluff Road and North Shaver Street, said Pasadena police. Police and a plant spokesman said no chemicals were released in the explosion.

However, residents living near the plant said they smelled a four odor in the air.

"It's strong and I know the chemicals are bad," said Alba Reyes, a woman who lives close to the plant. "My kids have bronchitis so I'm pretty sure it's even worse for them."

A shelter in place was lifted a few hours after the incident for communities north of the refinery.

Nearby residents said they heard an alarm 30 minute after the first explosion, but would have liked to have heard that warning much sooner.

The two injuries were considered non-life threatening, said rescuers.

Investigators said they are treating the incident as a structure fire, not a chemical fire. They still do not know what caused the blaze or the explosions.