An explosion and fire broke out at one of Petro-Canada's refineries west of Toronto late Thursday, 21 August 2003, Reuters has reported. The extent of any damage is not yet known.
The plant is one of four Petro-Canada refineries across the country. It employs about 450 people and produces about 700 million litres of high-grade lubricants a year.
The fire at the Mississauga refinery started in the hydro treatment unit and was brought under control within half an hour, a company spokesman told Reuters.
Witnesses said it felt like an earthquake, as the blast shook the nearby community.
"Everybody is safe and the rest of the plant is still functioning," said Steven Keith, Petro-Canada's spokesman.
"We don't know what caused (the fire) and don't have an estimate of the damage at this time," Keith said. He added that the short and long-term implications would depend on an investigation.
