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Refinery Blast Kills 24 in Venezuela

Dozens more are injured

By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 25, 2012 5:00 AM CDT | Updated Aug 25, 2012 9:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – A huge gas explosion rocked the largest refinery in Venezuela this morning, killing at least 24 and injuring more than 80, reports Reuters. The Amuay facility processes 645,000 barrels of oil per day, and is part of one of the largest refining complexes in the world. Authorities said the fire was under control, but it remains unclear how seriously output will be affected. "It was a significant explosion, there are appreciable damages to infrastructure and houses opposite the refinery," said Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez.

Fire rises over the Amuay refinery near Punto Fijo, Venezuela, Saturday.
Fire rises over the Amuay refinery near Punto Fijo, Venezuela, Saturday.   (AP Photo/Daniela Primera)
Large plumes of smoke rise from the Amuay refinery as national guardsmen watch near Punto Fijo, Venezuela, Saturday.
Large plumes of smoke rise from the Amuay refinery as national guardsmen watch near Punto Fijo, Venezuela, Saturday.   (AP Photo/Abisaid Cermeno)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
NorCalHal
Aug 25, 2012 9:09 PM CDT
So has Hugo Chavez blamed the "great satan" yet? Obummer will probably send him U.S. taxpayer's money to rebuild as part of his "shovel ready programs".
MSCOTTASHLEY
Aug 25, 2012 11:51 AM CDT
Who knows.  Perhaps a capitalist terror group pushing up the price of gas.  Greed is very evil and it's everywhere.
JoeQ
Aug 25, 2012 10:39 AM CDT
Refineries are pretty dangerous places to work.  One tiny mistake and KABOOM.  Here's a video about the 2005 explosion at the Texas City refinery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5B6ImPI1Mw
 

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