Refinery Explosion
On February 18, 2008, an explosion occurred at an oil refinery in Big Spring, Texas owned by Alon USA. The plant employs about 170 employees and has a capacity of 70,000 barrels (11,000 m3) of oil a day. This event has caused portions of Interstate 20 to be shut down. Initial reports state that four workers were injured. In addition to the four workers, a passing motorist on Interstate 20 sustained an injury when debris struck her vehicle, according to local reports. According to a press release by the company on February 19, the explosion occurred in the area around the propylene splitter unit, although the cause has not yet been determined. Information on the company's website states that ALON USA acquired ownership of the Big Spring, Texas refinery in August 2000, when ALON Israel Oil Company Ltd. purchased the U.S. fuels marketing and refining assets of Atofina Petrochemicals, Inc. (FINA). The refinery has been in service for more than 75 years, and produces fuel products and asphalt for the southwestern United States. It was constructed in 1928 by the original owner, Joshua Cosden.
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