EXPLOSION | Minister of Petroleum and Mining informed

Investigation team to inquire into fire at Venezuelan refinery

The Venezuelan Minister of Petroleum and Mining explained that a lightening is believed to have caused the incident, yet none hypothesis can be ruled out at this stage"

Petroleum Minister Rafael Ramírez said no hypothesis on the causes of the fire has been ruled out (Photo: AP)

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EL UNIVERSAL

Thursday September 20, 2012 05:08 PM

Rafael Ramírez, the Venezuelan Minister of Petroleum and Mining and the President of state-run oil company Pdvsa, on Thursday declared that an investigation taskforce has been created to determine the causes leading to a fire in El Palito refinery, north Venezuela, early on Wednesday evening. Ramírez explained that a lightening is believed to have caused the incident, yet "none hypothesis can be ruled out at this stage."

The minister remarked that they are working to put out the fire on Thursday. "The fire is confined in the tanks; we continue carrying out fire extinguishing operations. There is enough water and foam. We have decided to transfer products from the burning tanks to other tanks."

Ramírez underscored that the nearby community is not at risk.

Translated by Jhean Cabrera

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