West Texas Oil Refinery Explodes, Injures 5 People

An early morning blast shook residents of a West Texas community early this morning. In Big Spring, TX, a refinery experienced a devastating explosion which injured 5 people.

Several schools and businesses were closed down and evacuated and Interstate 20 was shut down due to debris and the ensuing fires. The flames in the are were quickly extinguished and the investigation has in the beginning stages to determine the cause.

The fire sparked by the blast was under control Monday morning, Lewis said. The Dallas-based company does not know what caused the explosion, he said.

The blast sent black smoke billowing into the sky, closed schools, shut down an interstate and left residents rattled.

"It was extremely scary. You shook you were so scared," said Laura McEwen, the mayor's wife who lives about two miles from the refinery. "Our walls shook. It jolted your bed. It was like an earthquake."

One of the injured was an occupant in a motor vehicle that was hit by flying debris. The story is unfolding and more information will come forth as the days progress. The photo spread can be found here.