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Editor’s Note: As of 11:30 a.m., one injury has now been reported. Please see the updated version of this story at https://www.lobservateur.com/2022/02/21/marathon-update-one-injury-reported-after-explosion/

GARYVILLE — There are no indications of injuries at this time following an explosion at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Garyville, according to a company spokesperson.

Marathon Petroleum is responding to a fire at the Garyville refinery that began at approximately 9:30 a.m.

A Marathon spokesperson said the refinery is currently assessing the impact within the plant.

Air monitoring has been deployed in the community, and local emergency responders have been notified.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office has asked residents to avoid the area of West Airline Highway and Marathon Avenue in Garyville due to officials working an incident.

Just before 9:30 a.m., St. John Parish residents reported hearing a “loud boom” near the Marathon plant. On social media, some individuals reported hearing the boom as far away as Destrehan and Ponchatoula.

This story is still developing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.