Several workers from the Come By Chance refinery remain in serious condition after a fire at the facility on Friday.

Initial reports of an explosion are being downplayed in Come By Chance today, with people familiar with the incident describing it more as a brief flash fire that was quickly contained and extinguished.

And while it may have been brief, it was intense enough to send eight workers to hospital, with five of them flown to St. John’s for emergency care.

The incident happened just after 4 p.m. Friday inside a unit of the sprawling refinery, bringing to mind the 1998 tragedy that killed two workers and left another injured.

It also comes at a time of renewed optimism for the half-century-old facility, which is in the process of transitioning to a producer of renewable aviation fuels under the Braya Renewable Fuels brand.

In a statement issued late Saturday afternoon, the company reiterated that its priority is the recovery of the workers and the well-being of their families. They also thanked first responders and health care staff for their efforts in the wake of the incident.

Speaking to VOCM News outside her home Saturday morning, Come By Chance Mayor Carol Molloy says she received a call from the company president Friday night, pledging whatever support the town and workers need.

Molloy noted it’s far too early to speculate on the cause of what happened, noting the priority remains the injured and their families.

Premier Andrew Furey also shared his feelings on social media.

Very sorry to hear about the incident at the Come By Chance refinery. I have been speaking with representatives of the company and union to share concern and good wishes for the injured workers, their families, friends, and coworkers. Thank you to all responding to this incident.

— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) September 2, 2022