May 14, 2004

NEW ORLEANS -- A fire broke out but was quickly brought under control Friday at about 12:25 p.m. at the Murphy Oil refinery in Chalmette.

Refinery officials said all workers were accounted for and no evacuations were ordered.

No injuries were reported.

The fire generated a significant amount of thick, black smoke that could be seen for miles.

The fire broke out in a crude unit, where a pump seal ignited. The cause is under investigation.

Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion, but refinery officials would not confirm that an explosion occurred.

http://www.theneworleanschannel.com/news/3306093/detail.html