Venezuela in mourning after refinery blast kills 39
VENEZUELA: Venezuela was in mourning Sunday after a massive explosion
tore through the country’s largest refinery, killing at least 39 people
and injuring more than 80 others.
President Hugo Chavez declared three days of national mourning
Saturday, saying the tragedy affected “the great Venezuelan family,
civilian and military.” Among the dead were 18 members of the National
Guard -- who were protecting the state-owned refining facility in the
northwestern town of Amuay -- and 15 civilians, Vice President Elias
Jaua said. The bodies of another six victims had yet to be identified.
Falcon state Governor Stella Lugo had earlier told official
television that a 10-year-old child was among the victims.
Another 82 people were injured, Health Minister Eugenia Sader said.
Fifteen of the injured remain in hospital, according to Jaua.
Chavez expressed his sympathy to the families of the dead, urging
calm because “fortunately, the greatest danger has been controlled.”
Ordering a “thorough investigation,” he vowed to help the people who
have been displaced from their homes at the refinery complex, which also
houses workers and their relatives, and in impoverished neighborhoods
nearby.
Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez said the explosion was triggered by a
gas leak at the refinery, which is owned by state oil firm Petroleos de
Venezuela (PDVSA), the cause of which remained to be determined.
“The gas cloud exploded, igniting at least two storage tanks and
other facilities at the refinery,” he told VTV television.
Ramirez, who is also president of PDVSA, said the refinery was shut
down but operations would resume in two days.
The blast damaged 209 homes and 11 shops, while 13 families saw their
homes completely destroyed and were temporarily moved to a naval base,
according to preliminary figures. Firefighters were able to bring the
fire under control, though smoke was still billowing from the facility.
AFP |