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There were no serious injuries as a result of an explosion within a Saint John refinery’s diesel-treating unit Monday morning, according to Irving Oil.

In a statement, Irving Oil said that “all employees and contractors working on site have been safely accounted for” and that “several contractors are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.”

Residents report major explosion at Irving Oil Refinery around 10 this morning. This shot from the other side of the Courtney Bay Causeway some distance away @Global_NB pic.twitter.com/3I4t0xVFXV — Andrew Cromwell (@Andrew_GlobalSJ) October 8, 2018

Thick black smoke filling the sky in Saint John after reported explosion, fire @Global_NB pic.twitter.com/8oG86H07Y5 — Callum Smith (@smithc902) October 8, 2018

The Saint John Police Force said they responded to the refinery at 10:16 a.m. and asked civilians to avoid the area. Residents posted photos and videos of the flames and black smoke, which could be seen from across the city.

Resident Doug Bruce said he was about five or six kilometres away from the refinery at the time of the explosion.

“It felt like a truck had run into the building I was in,” Bruce told Global News. Tweet This

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WATCH: Explosion reported at Irving Oil in Saint John

Horizon Health said the Saint John Regional Hospital was placed on “high alert” and prepared to offer assistance. The hospital issued an “orange alert,” meaning it was preparing for a possible influx of patients.

At a news conference at 3:30 p.m., Irving Oil spokesperson Kevin Scott said four people are being treated for minor injuries.

“We’re very grateful today,” Scott said. “With it being Thanksgiving, I think it’s appropriate.” Tweet This

New Brunswick EMO spokesperson Geoffery Downey confirmed that provincial and regional operations centres were activated. The City of Saint John stated that no evacuations were ordered for residents.

WATCH: Smoke, flames erupt from Irving Oil refinery in Saint John

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Mike Carr, Saint John’s district fire chief, added that no air quality issues have been reported, but the situation is still being monitored.

#SJEMO update: Saint John Fire & Police remain on scene at the Irving Oil Refinery incident in east Saint John.

Roads in immediate area have been closed to thru traffic.

At this time, no evacuations have been ordered for residents.

Updates will be provided as available. — City of Saint John (@cityofsaintjohn) October 8, 2018

Police in Saint John continue to ask motorists to avoid the area. As of 5 p.m., Grandview/Bayside and Grandview/Champlain Heights remain closed.

WATCH: Saint John mayor provides details about Irving Oil fire

New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant tweeted Monday afternoon that he reached out to Darling, and that both the city and Irving Oil officials are actively assessing the situation.

“On behalf of all New Brunswickers, our thoughts are with the workers affected and … with the community of Saint John,” Gallant tweeted.

Some more photos sent to Global News of the explosion at the Irving Oil refinery in #SaintJohn @Global_NB pic.twitter.com/u1OEIIrAje — Graeme Benjamin (@GlobalGraeme) October 8, 2018

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The Irving Oil refinery employs about 1,400 people and is the largest in Canada. Work at the facility has been halted for the time being.

WATCH: Explosion at Irving Oil refinery shakes Saint John

2:19 Explosion at Irving Oil refinery shakes Saint John Explosion at Irving Oil refinery shakes Saint John

With files from Rebecca Joseph and The Canadian Press.