TOLEDO, Ohio — A fire at the BP-Husky refinery on Cedar Point Road in Oregon killed two people Tuesday night, according to a statement Wednesday morning from BP spokesperson Megan Baldino.
Baldino also said the refinery "has been safely shut down while the response is underway."
"It is with deep sadness we report that two BP staff injured in a fire at the BP Husky Toledo Refinery have passed away," Baldino said. "Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of these two individuals. All other staff is accounted for and our employee assistance team is on site in Toledo to support our employees impacted by this tragedy."
The workers were identified as brothers Max and Ben Morrissey during a speech by U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, on the floor of the House of Representatives Wednesday evening.
Reaction and condolences are coming in from around the state:
U.S. REP. MARCY KAPTUR (D-TOLEDO)
Kaptur acknowledged the fire during her general speech to the House of Representatives during Wednesday's session, saying in full:
"Madam Speaker, I rise today with deep sadness to pay tribute to two highly skilled U.S. steel workers, brothers Ben and Max Morrissey who tragically lost their lives at the British Petroleum refinery in my hometown.
"Yesterday while on the job at the BP Husky plant in Oregon, Ohio, their lives were cut short in a horrific explosion. Responsible citizens, husbands and fathers who performed America’s essential work that drives progress and our American way of life forward. These brave men will never again return home to their dear families. They leave behind their young children who will come to understand the gravity of their fathers’ loss. My heart goes out to their precious families and with their brothers and sisters in United Steel Workers 1-346 who lost two beloved friends.
"In our grief, we also extend our deep gratitude to the brave first responders who rushed to the scene, provided aid and helped keep our community safe. Today is a heartbreaking day for the people of northwest Ohio. We have flown flags in honor of Ben and Max Morrissey high above the U.S. Capitol today. We lift up the memory of their loved ones in our hearts. And we pray that they may find solace and comfort in the memories that they will always have of their treasured, treasured husbands, fathers, sons and together they may heal. May God be with them all."
U.S. SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OHIO)
"Our hearts are with the families of the two USW Local 1-346 workers who went to work yesterday to provide for their families and never came home. Thank you to the first responders who took quick action at the scene of this tragedy."
U.S. REP. TIM RYAN (D-NILES)
"Andrea and I are heartbroken at the news of two workers killed in the Toledo refinery fire last night. Praying for their families, friends, coworkers, and community. No one should ever live in fear that a loved one won’t make it home safe from their shift."
CENOVUS
"We are deeply saddened by the deaths of two staff at the bp-Husky Toledo Refinery. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and co-workers."
Note: Cenovus owns 50% of the refinery and is in the process of purchasing the remaining 50% from BP.
LUCAS COUNTY TREASURER LINDSAY WEBB
OREGON POLICE
"The Oregon Police Division would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of the two young men who tragically lost their lives in the BP Refinery incident last night. The Oregon Community is suffering from this tragic loss."