Refinery Explosion Injures 4; Shaking With Magnitude of 1.7 Earthquake

"Four workers suffered minor injuries after a large explosion Wednesday morning at the Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance [Calif.], according to an Exxon spokesman.

The explosion was the equivalent of a magnitude 1.7 earthquake, according to Caltech.

Residents in the area were asked by police to remain indoors after the explosion. That shelter-in-place order has been lifted, but a smoke advisory was issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District."

Veronica Rocha and Ruben Vives report for the New York Times February 18, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"‘Large Fire Explosion’ Rocks Exxonmobil’s Torrance Refinery in California" (Washington Post)

"Explosion at Exxon Mobil Refinery in Torrance, California, Injures Four" (Reuters)

"Be Prepared to Pay More for Gas After Torrance Refinery Explosion" (LA Weekly)

"Huge Explosion Rips Through California Oil Refinery, Adding Fuel To Oil Worker Strike" (Climate Progress)

"Huge Exxon Mobil Explosion a Reminder of Refinery Dangers" (Los Angeles Times)