An explosion at the Calumet Lubricants Refinery rocked Shreveport yesterday, sending a cloud of black smoke miles away and virtually stopping traffic in the area. It will take officials up to two weeks to complete their investigation of the explosion, but those who know the plant aren’t surprised. The refinery has been investigated by OSHA four times since 2000 for unsafe practices.
Investigator with the Shreveport Fire Department believe the blast started when a diesel engine in a small pickup ignited vapors from a fuel tanker while it was being loaded.
Officials monitored local neighborhoods surrounding the plant to ensure environmental safety. They found “minimal” pollutants, but nothing above acceptable ranges.
Two firefighters received injuries while fighting the blast.
