Refinery blast kills 24 in Venezuela, dozens hurt

[donnay]

Refinery blast kills 24 in Venezuela, dozens hurt

By IAN JAMES
Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- A huge explosion rocked Venezuela's biggest oil refinery early Saturday, killing at least 24 people and injuring more than 80 others in the deadliest disaster in memory for the country's key oil industry.

Balls of fire rose over the Amuay refinery, one of the largest in the world, in video posted on the Internet by people who were nearby at the time.

At least 86 people were injured, nine of them seriously, Health Minister Eugenia Sader said at a hospital where the wounded were taken. She said 77 people suffered light injuries and were released from the hospital.

Officials said those killed included a 10-year-old boy, but that most of the victims were National Guard troops stationed at the refinery.

Continued...

[youngbuck]

Tragic accident - R.I.P.

Maybe this will teach them to take safety more seriously.