An explosion at the Diamond Green Diesel facility in Norco Sunday night startled residents across St. Charles Parish, rattling windows as far away as Luling.
No one was injured in the explosion and subsequent fire, which occurred at 9:30 p.m. The fire was contained and extinguished by midnight. The Diamond Green Diesel facility employs 40 people and is located on the Valero campus.
Valero spokeswoman Taryn Rogers said that an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
“There is no impact to the community,” she said. “The incident is under control. We are working with local and state agencies.”
She added that the fire has not affected operations at the Valero St. Charles Refinery.
Brittany Banks, who lives in Hahnville across from the plant, said everyone on her street came outside after hearing the explosion.
“A few of them thought thunder, a few thought maybe a tornado and a few thought a plane had crashed,” she said.
Antoinette Mcgovern heard and felt the blast, which rattled her sliding glass doors and shook her son’s room.
“We thought someone was trying to break in,” she said.
Rayshell Mitchell, who lives in Hahnville, thought a train derailed in her backyard. Mandy Boudreaux felt and heard the blast in Luling.
“Thought it was yet another car accident on Paul Maillard,” she said.
Some of those who live close to Diamond Green Diesel facility said the explosion shook their homes.
We will provide an update as soon as the cause of the fire is determined.
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