According to sources, whatever has blown has blown, meaning no further
damage is expected. Furthermore, there were no deaths or injuries.
As I type, a helicopter encircles the black smoke which is filling the sky.
Despite the diminishing of the flames, the smoke still looks strong.
The official word now, as I type, is that leaving the building would be
unsafe. So much for the Clinique counter.
Apparently, my office manager's sister just called, and described the
television report. A television reporter is on the scene, standing just in
front of the blazing hydrocracker now, reporting the latest findings. It is
believed this woman is in a state of shock, as she doesn't seen to be aware
of what it is she is reporting. Her words: "Experts warn locals to STAY
INSIDE as the health hazards from breathing in this possibly toxic and life
threatening smoke are of as yet undetermined."
Now it is calm. The town of Pt. Richmond is like a ghost town. The parking
lots are empty, and...
Wait a minute. The parking lots are empty.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
Hurry, quick! Come on over!
At least load up on gas before prices sky rocket again!
This is your friendly Ace Reporter, signing off.
Katie Kelly
Technical Publications
SPSS Bay Area
(510)412-2812
mailto:katiek@spss.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Guilt slows your metabolism.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kelly, Katie [SMTP:kkelly@spss.com]
> Sent: Thursday, March 25, 1999 3:17 PM
> To: autox@autox.team.net; ba-autox@autox.team.net
> Subject: Chevron Explodes
>
> Hundreds evacuate! Chaos, Pandamonium Everywhere!
>
> There was just this huge explosion across the street at Chevron in Point
> Richmond, CA. I thought maybe someone had slammed the door shut, but no,
> it's just one of those random explosions that happen from time to time. I
> just ran to the front of the building to check out the scene. Right now,
> as
> I type, less than a half-mile away, there are some huge black clouds and
> flames, yes, FLAMES burning from the ground, but it is difficult to tell
> from what sort of structures. One appears to be a chimney. These flames
> appear to be about 50 feet in height. Hundreds of employees from either
> Pixar or SPSS are manning their vehicles for escape as I type, including
> local residents of Pt. Richmond, but not I. For I, as your friendly Ace
> Reporter, must remain on the front, to bravely report to my readers what
> is
> happening AT THIS EXACT MOMENT IN TIME.
>
> Of course, I have been ordered to evacuate the building, but excuse me,
> are
> you nuts? The freeway home is only immediately adjacent to the burning
> refinery. I am staying right here with my computer where it is SAFE. Plus,
> as the Ace Reporter, I have a job to do.
>
> Sirens are blaring at a near intolerable volume, as tires squeal from
> nervous drivers trying to find a way out. Yet your Ace Reporter remains
> brave and strong, determined to report the whole truth, and nothing but.
>
> One moment, please, as she goes to investigate any recent happenings on
> the
> front.
>
> She has just returned. There are now two columns of black clouds, both
> seemingly fueled by flames that I erroneously reported at fifty feet in
> height. They now appear to be close to 100 feet, but this could merely be
> an
> exaggeration due to shock, nervousness, and fear on the part of your
> friendly Ace Reporter.
>
> Oddly enough, the only people who are still in the building are your
> friendly Ace Reporter, and some QA Engineers from Russia. Coincidence? The
> Ace Reporter thinks NOT.
>
> One moment, as I check out the scene one more time.
>
> The fires seem to be contained. In fact, a report from our office manager
> explains that whatever has exploded has disappeared, and that these other
> smaller fires were set in order to contain the larger one. All appears to
> be
> quiet on the front, yet you should see the pandamonium in the streets.
> It's
> safer indoors.
>
> This is unfortunate, because had been a bigger chicken, I could be headed
> to
> Macy's right now to see what's on sale at the Clinique counter.
>
> But alas, I am a brave and hearty Ace Reporter.
>
> It's just part of my job, I guess.
>
> This is your friendly Ace Reporter, signing off.
>
>
> Katie Kelly
> Technical Publications
> SPSS Bay Area
> (510)412-2812
> mailto:katiek@spss.com
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Guilt slows your metabolism.
>
>
>
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