Explosion, Fire Reported at PBF Energy's Chalmette Refinery; Responders on Scene

A large explosion and fire erupted Friday afternoon at PBF Energy’s Chalmette refinery in Louisiana, prompting response from local refinery firefighters, the St. Bernard Fire Department, and the Parish Sheriff’s Office. Initial reports around 19:14 UTC described a massive blast at the New Orleans-area facility processing 189,000 barrels of crude per day, leading to road closures and unconfirmed casualty details. Damage extent and production outages remain undisclosed, potentially tightening Gulf Coast refined-product supply and pressuring nearby oil and gasoline prices higher pending outage clarity.