Roads around refinery open; cause of reported explosion under investigation

2 fires and a possible explosion reported at the Calumet Refinery in Great Falls. Thankfully no injuries and all refinery workers accounted for; air quality deemed good.
The roads around Calumet Refinery in Great Falls are now open.

Road closures were put in place after emergency crews responded to a reported explosion and fire around 1:15 p.m. Thursday.

The Montana Department of Transportation reported all roads within a half-mile radius of the refinery were blocked during the incident.

Calumet Montana Refining released a statement at 2:39 p.m. confirming all plant personnel were accounted for and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Sacajawea Elementary School and North Middle School were under a shelter in place, however, it was lifted before school was out.

Businesses in close proximity to the refinery were evacuated such as the Montana Club and the Mountain View Co-Op stores.

The Great Falls Police Department reported that air quality experts determined the air to be safe in the vicinity of the refinery.

Benefis Health System told MTN News the hospital is always prepared for a major emergency.

Here is the complete statement from Calumet:

Calumet Montana Refining has confirmed an incident has occurred at their plant. At this time all plant personnel have been accounted for and there are no injuries to report. A perimeter has been established around the plant, and this includes some interruption to traffic. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Calumet’s top priority is the safety of plant staff and the community. Updates will be provided as they are available.