Oil rig catches fire in Gulf of Mexico
Reuters
2012-11-17
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At least two people are missing after a fire on an oil rig off in the Gulf of Mexico.
Officials say the fire started after crews working on the rig used the wrong kind of equipment.
The rig is owned by Black Elk Energy.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) JOHN HOFFMAN, CEO, BLACK ELK ENERGY, SAYING :
"What we know at this point is the line that was cut was supposed to be cut with a cold cutting device, non sparking device. Apparently the construction crew used a cutting torch that ignited vapors in the line which then ignited the tanks."
Officials say there was no oil flowing up to the platform, located about 17 miles off the coast of Louisiana, so there is little risk of a major oil spill.
11 people are being treated for injuries. No deaths have been reported so far.
Officials say the fire started after crews working on the rig used the wrong kind of equipment.
The rig is owned by Black Elk Energy.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) JOHN HOFFMAN, CEO, BLACK ELK ENERGY, SAYING :
"What we know at this point is the line that was cut was supposed to be cut with a cold cutting device, non sparking device. Apparently the construction crew used a cutting torch that ignited vapors in the line which then ignited the tanks."
Officials say there was no oil flowing up to the platform, located about 17 miles off the coast of Louisiana, so there is little risk of a major oil spill.
11 people are being treated for injuries. No deaths have been reported so far.
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