Explosion reported in port district of Corpus Christi, Texas

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — Firefighters in Corpus Christi responded Friday to an apparent explosion in the city’s port and refinery district.

A fire was reported about 8 a.m. near Nueces Bay in the northern part of the city and crews were on the scene, Fire Chief Robert Rocha told KIII-TV. Flames and a large plume of black smoke were visible.

Rocha did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment and it was not immediately clear what exploded.

Initial reports indicate four people have been sent to the hospital. One of them suffered severe burns and has been airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio.