Heavy flaring at LyondellBasell after power outage

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Heavy flaring reported in the area of Cities Service Highway, south of I-10, is due to a power outage at LyondellBasell, local officials say.

Photos sent to KPLC by viewers Lee Clement and James Clanton, of C&C Construction, show two flares, both emitting heavy, black smoke.

There is currently no offsite impact reported, according to Dick Gremillion, head of Emergency Preparedness in Calcasieu.

Jim Rock, with the Lake Area Industry Alliance, said a lightning strike knocked out both LyondellBasell’s power center and their tie-in to Entergy, causing the plant to lose electricity and steam (resulting in the black smoke).

KPLC has reached out to LyondellBasell for more information.