At least 18 injured in fire at La Salina oil terminal
The fire recorded this Tuesday at the La Salina oil terminaloperated by the state-owned PDVSA in the state of Zulia, left at least 18 injured, including firefighters, workers and neighbors, according to sources consulted by the Reuters news agency.
Firefighters worked throughout the day to control the flames, which generated a column of black smoke visible from a distance. The work included the use of foam to extinguish the fire. “It is estimated that 18 people were injured, including firefighters from Cabimas, PDVSA workers and also locals,” a source close to the operation detailed. Reuters.
During the incident, nearby residents heard an explosion, which raised concern in the area. One source described the situation as an “outburst of anger”, referring to the magnitude of the fireas observed in the videos shared by witnesses.
At this time (1:20 pm), the tank that had been on fire since the early hours of October 15 gained more strength.
A video captured moments ago shows how the flame of the oil cylinder that, as a result of a lightning strike, unleashed the fire intensifies.
Firefighters call for calm https://t.co/SGlLy13faC pic.twitter.com/BCACUwE0HE
— Jhorman Cruz (@Jhormancruz1) October 15, 2024
The fire occurred during a storm
The accident occurred during a storm early this Tuesday and lasted until the afternoon, affecting one of the facilities located near the city of Cabimas, on the shores of Lake Maracaibo. PDVSA had not issued official statements about the incident or the situation of the injured.
The Bajo Grande terminal, near La Salina and used by PDVSA and the American Chevron to export crude oil and fuels, was not affected by the fireother sources involved in the operations confirmed to the British news agency.
9:42 am | Keep the tank on. Cabimas firefighters continue waiting for extinguishing foam.
The candle has already gone down, but the smoke is expanding rapidly over the municipality of the Eastern Coast of the Lake.
People “record and quit.” Police on site
📸: José Serna https://t.co/ui5Doom99w pic.twitter.com/iyLiCmQAqr
— Jhorman Cruz (@Jhormancruz1) October 15, 2024
Independent journalism needs the support of its readers to continue and ensure that the uncomfortable news they don’t want you to read remains within your reach. Today, with your support, we will continue working hard for censorship-free journalism!