国际英语新闻:Lightning strikes oil tank, causing explosion in U.S. state of Texas

HOUSTON, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- A crude oil tank exploded on Wednesday afternoon after it was struck by lightning in Baytown, which is located at the mouth of the San Jacinto River on Galveston Bay, about 35.2 kilometers east of Houston, in the largest city in the U.S. state of Texas.

The accident, which occurred shortly after 1 pm local time, caused no injuries, but thick, black smoke could be seen in the sky from several kilometers away, local TV station Channel 2 Houston reported.

Baytown fire department officials are working at the scene and traffic in the surrounding area has been closed due to smoke, said the report, adding that there are currently no public protection orders for the population nearby.

The property where the tank is located is operated by the Hollimon Oil Corporation, based in San Antonio, a city in the state of Texas.

Baytown, which has a population of 71,802, is home to many oil refineries.