Massive blast at Mexico oil factory 100s evacuated

[Anthea]

Mexican emergency crews are responding to a major fire at a Pemex oil facility in the port city of Coatzacoalcos that started after a powerful explosion. Hundreds of people in nearby areas have been evacuated.

At least three factory workers are known to have been injured in the blast, Petróleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, said on its Twitter account. It reported that the blast took place at the Clorados 3 (Chlorine 3) plant, which is operated by Mexichem, an associate company.

Footage of thick, dark smoke rising into the air was posted online following the blast.

Conflicting reports say that at least 44 employees were injured in the blast and transported to a nearby hospital.

Photos posted from the scene on social media show people putting up lists containing the names of dozens of injured and hospitalized employees.

The governor of Veracruz, Javier Duarte, said that local authorities are in contact with Pemex.

In a Twitter post, Duarte described the accident as a “strong explosion.”

Pemex added that the blast will not negatively impact the plant’s ability to export oil.

This is not the first major accident for the Mexican company. In January of 2013, Pemex’s headquarters in Mexico City was hit by a massive gas explosion that killed 37 people.

https://www.rt.com/news/340425-mexico-o ... last-fire/

[Anthea]

Mexico oil factory blast: 3 dead, dozens injured, hundreds evacuated as huge toxic cloud released

Three people are confirmed dead and between 45 and 60 injured in a blast at a Pemex oil facility in the Mexican port city of Coatzacoalcos, which triggered a massive fire sending out a toxic cloud. Hundreds of people in nearby areas have been evacuated.

Luis Felipe Puente, the head of Mexico’s federal emergency services, confirmed the death toll to Reuters, while putting the number of injured at 45.

Meanwhile, Veracruz state Governor Javier Duarte said that as many as 60 of the plant’s employees have been injured, according to local television.

Petróleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, earlier said in a statement on its Twitter account that the explosion took place at the Clorados 3 (Chlorine 3) plant, which is operated by Mexichem, an associate company.

Footage of thick, dark smoke rising into the air was posted online following the blast.

Local media report that the explosion has released toxic substances, such as Chloroethane, into the air.

Graphic photos and videos of employees with severe face and limb burns have appeared on social media.

Duarte said on his Twitter page that classes at all school levels have been suspended in six municipalities. Meanwhile, nearby residents were asked to stay inside their homes.

Pemex says the fire at the plant is now under control.

At least 44 employees injured in the blast were reportedly transported to a nearby hospital.

Photos posted from the scene on social media show people putting up lists containing the names of dozens of injured and hospitalized employees.

The governor of Veracruz said that local authorities are in contact with Pemex.

In a Twitter post, Duarte described the accident as a “strong explosion.”

Pemex added that the blast will not negatively impact the plant’s ability to export oil.

This is not the first major accident for the Mexican company. In January of 2013, Pemex’s headquarters in Mexico City was hit by a massive gas explosion that killed 37 people.

https://www.rt.com/news/340425-mexico-o ... last-fire/