Torrance ExxonMobil refinery leak contained; shelter in place lifted

TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- A leak at the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance on Friday prompted officials to activate sirens that directed residents in the area to shelter in place, according to authorities.

The refinery experienced a leak on an 8-inch pipeline in the crude unit at about 6:10 p.m., according to a post on the Torrance Police Department's Facebook page.

AIR7 HD captured a large column of smoke billowing into the sky. Smoke was seen extending past Western Avenue.

The leak was blocked in and stabilized at approximately 6:29 p.m., and the shelter in place was lifted, according to another post on the department's Facebook page.