Pdvsa confirms fire in CM-26 oil well in Zulia state

State-run oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (Pdvsa) confirmed that on Sunday afternoon a fire occurred in the CM-26 oil well, which is owned by the Baripetrol joint venture. The fire was controlled, but left four workers injured.

In a press release, Pdvsa pointed out that "at approximately 6:35 pm, there was a fire in the CM-26 oil well, owned by the Baripetrol joint venture and drilled by the Wilson 42 drill, which is operated by the service firm Wilson Venezuela, based in Casigua el Cubo, Jesús María Semprúm municipality, Zulia state (northwest Venezuela)."

"During this event, four workers were injured. They were rushed to the APS Pdvsa Casigua el Cubo hospital for first aid and then taken to the Coromoto Hospital in Maracaibo, where they are receiving specialized care," added the communiqué.

The incident occurred while performing a service to the well, as a gas leak triggered an explosion at the site. Both local and Pdvsa firefighters controlled the fire.