BREAKING: Explosion at refinery in Lockwood

An explosion at the ExxonMobil oil refinery near Lockwood Saturday night brought a large emergency response from multiple agencies, according to witnesses and Gazette reporters at the scene.

The fire was initially reported at around 10 p.m., and crews had the blaze contained within 40 minutes
"No evacuation order had been made and no injuries have been reported," wrote Dan Carter, public affairs specialist for the ExxonMobil Billings Refinery, in a statement to the Gazette. "Lockwood and Billings fire departments are also responding in support of the effort. We are sorry this incident has occurred and apologize for any disruption or inconvenience."

Bystanders could see a smoke column rising from the refinery in the late evening hours and witnesses described flames erupting from the compound.