Irving Oil confirmed that a ‘major incident’ took place at Canada’s largest refinery, after an explosion was reported at the facility. The refinery’s workers have all been accounted for, and the site of the incident is now isolated and contained.
The explosion reportedly rocked the area around the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick. However, it was not immediately clear what the impact was.
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Shortly after the explosion, photos of Irving’s Saint John refinery were posted to social media, which were depicting flames and black clouds.
According to Irving Oil, all employees and contractors are accounted for, while some contractors were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
In the latest update, the refinery informed that it is safe and the specific site of the incident is isolated and contained. There are also no concerns with regards to air quality.
Now the company has started planning to have its turnaround team back on site.
We regret that this incident has happened and are sorry for the impact that it has had on so many in our community.
Irving Oil said.
The plant can refine 320,000 barrels per day of gasoline, diesel heating oil, jet fuel and other petroleum products, while Irving Oil exports more than half of that supply to the US.