Natural Gas Rig Explodes, Burns In Gulf Of Mexico

A natural gas platform exploded in the Gulf of Mexico late Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.

The rig, leased by Houston-based Walter Oil & Gas Corp., was burning about 60 miles southwest of Grand Isle, Louisiana, early Wednesday, according to Petty Officer Carlos Vega. A Coast Guard vessel witnessed the blast.

Forty-four workers were evacuated from the rig earlier Tuesday after a blowout occurred, officials said.

Natural gas was leaking, but no oil was being released, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said.

 

Source: CNN