Kim Gritter says Chalmette Refinery lanes reopened after explosion

Residents in a Chalmette community heard a loud explosion at the chalmette refinery, then saw a large plume of smoke. The incident initially closed traffic near the refinery.

By the time of the report, St. Bernard Parish President Kim Gritter said all lanes near the refinery had reopened. Law enforcement remained on scene conducting traffic control.

Kim Gritter on road access

Gritter’s update gives nearby drivers the most immediate practical change: traffic is moving again around the refinery. The reopening came after the closures that followed the explosion and smoke plume.

Chalmette Refining incident

Officials said the explosion came from Chalmette Refining. The report described the incident as developing, which leaves the immediate focus on the roadway response and the refinery itself rather than on any longer-term consequence.

For people traveling near the site, the change is straightforward: lanes are back open, but law enforcement is still directing traffic near Chalmette Refining.