"Four workers suffered minor injuries after a large explosion Wednesday morning at the Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance [Calif.], according to an Exxon spokesman.

The explosion was the equivalent of a magnitude 1.7 earthquake, according to Caltech.

Residents in the area were asked by police to remain indoors after the explosion. That shelter-in-place order has been lifted, but a smoke advisory was issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District."

Veronica Rocha and Ruben Vives report for the New York Times February 18, 2015. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"‘Large Fire Explosion’ Rocks Exxonmobil’s Torrance Refinery in California" (Washington Post) [3]

"Explosion at Exxon Mobil Refinery in Torrance, California, Injures Four" (Reuters) [4]

"Be Prepared to Pay More for Gas After Torrance Refinery Explosion" (LA Weekly) [5]

"Huge Explosion Rips Through California Oil Refinery, Adding Fuel To Oil Worker Strike" (Climate Progress) [6]

"Huge Exxon Mobil Explosion a Reminder of Refinery Dangers" (Los Angeles Times) [7]