Puerto Rico explosion
23 October 2009
The area around San Juan, Puerto Rico has been rocked by a massive fire at the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. gasoline warehouse and distribution centre on 20th October. While only minor injuries have been reported, the area around the facility was evacuated. FBI agents on the scene were among those investigating what caused the blast, which struck around 12:30 a.m. (0430 GMT), but currently no information has been released to the public.
The CSB will investigate what caused the blast, which struck around 12:30 a.m. (0430 GMT), but currently no information has been released to the public.
Fire fighters have been working to stop the blaze spreading, as well as preventing additional blasts. 11 of more than 30 tanks have exploded and the risk of further blasts is high as jet fuel, bunker fuel and gasoline is stored at the facility. Consequently, firefighters are planning on chilling the remaining tanks in order to prevent this. Dozens of fuel trucks were also being moved from the area as a precaution.
The flames, which could be seen from miles away, intensified several hours after the explosion and it is likely to take several days to put out the inferno.
Environmental authorities urged nearby residents to keep their windows shut to avoid potentially dangerous smoke.