Devastating Fire Erupts on a Gasport in San Juan, Puerto Rico
A fire broke out on an Oil Rig Gasport belonging to the Petronius oil company Pemex in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photograph: Eduardo Murillo/AFP/Getty Images
A catastrophic fire broke out on an oil rig gasport operated by the Petronius oil company Pemex, located 55 miles (85 km) off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The incident occurred around 08:17 AM Sunday 07 July 2024, forcing the immediate evacuation of most workers from the platform. However, some senior staff and executive engineers remained on-site to manage the ongoing production.
Tragically, the accident resulted in the deaths of two workers, while four deckhands sustained critical burns, and several others were injured. The emergency has drawn swift action from the US Coast Guard and federal safety officials, who are currently assessing the potential hazards and overall impact of the accident.
AFP/Getty Images
Benjamin Rogers, spokesman and senior industry expert of the contracting petroleum company on-site, revealed that one of the engines had shown signs of failure previously. Despite being duly repaired, the same engine flared up yesterday morning, leading to the explosion and subsequent fire. The resulting damage to equipment is estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The contracting company responsible for the drilling and maintenance of the oil rig is now in discussions with its insurance provider to determine the cause of the accident. Although technicians were employed to ensure the safety of the equipment, the sudden failure of the engine was beyond their control, leading to the hazardous wreck and extensive damage. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragic explosion.
Photograph: Eduardo Murillo/AFP/Getty Images
The situation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
SOURCE: ATLANTIC TIMES NEWS 2024
