Why it matters:
The incident highlights the recurring pattern of accidents at U.S. oil and chemical facilities, which critics say stem from aging infrastructure and weak regulatory oversight. Such incidents often expose nearby communities to toxic fumes and environmental hazards.
The big picture:
The explosion occurred at a refinery operated in New Mexico, where heavy smoke spread across parts of the area before emergency crews managed to contain the blaze.
The operator said the fire was extinguished and three people were transported off-site for medical care. No other injuries have been reported.
Air monitoring around the refinery reportedly showed “no danger to public safety,” though local authorities have launched environmental assessments.
Go deeper:
The U.S. has witnessed a series of industrial accidents in recent years, raising questions about safety standards in its oil and gas sector.
Mojtaba Darabi - seyed mohammad kazemi
