MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - At least three people have been injured after a fire broke out at a Valero oil refinery warehouse Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency crews responded to the fire just before 3 p.m. The warehouse, located at 360 W Mallory in south Memphis, was evacuated. Ambulances were called to the scene to treat three burn victims.
One male victim suffered second and third degree burns on the left side of his body. Another male victim was found with second and third degree burns on 90 percent of his body. Rescue workers had to untangle him from wires before transporting him to The MED Burn Unit. A third victim was also burned over 30 percent of his body. All three victims were last reported in critical condition.
According to a statement from Valero Energy Corporation, the fire occurred on a flare platform. "Three contractors working on the flare were injured and have been transported to the hospital by ambulance. This work on the flare was related to the turnaround currently under way at the plant. No other units were involved, refinery production was not affected, and there were no offsite impacts," the statement read.
The Memphis Fire Department has since cleared the scene and employees were allowed back into the facility.
