24/03/2005

Inquiry into BP oil refinery explosion

A massive explosion that tore through a BP oil refinery in Texas yesterday is believed to have killed 14 people and injured more than 100.

Shooting flames and billowing smoke showered the area as firefighters struggled to put out the flames.

Workers searched through the rubble for survivors last night for several hours after the blast.

The cause of the explosion has yet to be established and investigators in Texas are working at the scene.

Most of the injured suffered broken bones, cuts and concussions.

The blast left a massive hole in the ground, destroyed nearby offices, and witnesses said the effects of the blast were felt up to five miles away.

Site Director, Don Parus said BP was waiting on an official death toll confirmation from the medical examiner’s office.

Plant worker Charles Gregory said he and several co-workers were inside a trailer getting ready to clean a tank when the floor started rumbling.

The plant sprawls across 1,200 acres with 30 refinery units.

Around 433,000 barrels of crude oil are processed a day and approximately 1,800 people are employed at the refinery complex.

(CD/SP)

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