Shutterstock
An explosion at Wisconsin Husky Oil Refinery in Superior, Wisconsin has injured at least 20 people, according to reports. The explosion happened around 10:05 a.m. on Thursday, April 26.
At this time, Assistant Police Chief Matt Markon said that details were available on injuries or initial damage but multiple agencies, including Superior fire, police and Gold Cross units, were responding to the scene. Duluth Hospitals are preparing to treat victims of the explosion.
Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander said calls first came in around 10:05 a.m. local time. and that the extent of the fire isn’t yet known. Alexander encouraged residents to go about their daily business, saying:
“Don’t try to approach the refinery or areas where police vehicles are restricting traffic because it’s really just there right now to ensure emergency services can get in there. I haven’t received any information yet that there’s any concern for safety for the community in general.”
Furthermore, nearby Superior High School said they are aware of the situation, releasing the following statement on Facebook:
“We have been made aware of a fire at Husky (Calumet refinery). We have been advised by the police department that there is no reason for concern or to evacuate. We will continue to work with the police and fire departments and will inform you of any necessary changes.”
According to the Duluth News Tribune, the refinery, located at 2407 Stinson Ave in Superior, Wisconsin, employees about 180 people. The refinery provides the Northland with gasoline, asphalt and other specialty petroleum products. About 50,000 barrels of oil can be processed at the Husky Oil refinery per day.
The Superior refinery was built in 1950, acquired by Murphy Oil in 1958 and sold to Indianapolis-based Calumet for $475 million in 2011.
[protected-iframe id=”67a13e681b9dacd185944570636b4234-3508545-91726680″ info=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2736.802980416517!2d-92.07049268440106!3d46.689889379134534!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x52ae51002569cf91%3A0xc25e79f70f9274a6!2s2407+Stinson+Ave%2C+Superior%2C+WI+54880!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1524760597230″ width=”600″ height=”450″ frameborder=”0″ style=”border:0″ allowfullscreen=””]
