A massive fire from an oil refinery in the US last week was set off by an explosion in the gasoline unit, according to a news report.
Tom Zoeller from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board told Reuters that the fire at Husky Energy’s refinery in Superior, Wisconsin was caused by an explosion in the gasoline-producing fluidic catalytic cracking unit.
Mr Zoeller said the blast last Thursdasy damaged a nearby tank containing asphalt.
The refinery processes 38,000 barrels of oil per day.
The fire forced the evacuation of the city of 27,0000 residents however they were allowed to return the next day.
The cause of the explosion is still unknown.
Mr Zoeller said: “The shrapnel from that explosion pierced the asphalt tank and the asphalt spilled out and found an ignition source.”
Husky Energy said the refinery is not operating as the company begins an investigation into what caused the explosion.
Mr Zoeller added: “”Husky said the cranes have started arriving and we expect to get in by the end of next week.”