Overview
- Emergency crews responded after an explosion sent thick smoke over Artesia, prompting shelter-in-place advisories and street closures for medevac access.
- Police reported no fatalities and authorities initially withheld an injury count before HF Sinclair said three people were transported for treatment.
- Officials said the fire was extinguished by afternoon, visible smoke dissipated and nearby roads reopened.
- The cause of the blast remains under investigation as local agencies continue assessing conditions and impacts.
- New Mexico’s environment department is deploying a team to monitor air quality, and any effect on refinery operations has not been specified.