Oct. 15 (UPI) --
An oil rig exploded Sunday night off the coast of Louisiana, causing several injuries, authorities said.
The explosion occurred in Lake Pontchartrain near St. Charles Parish and North Kenner at around 8 p.m. CST. Kenner officials said on Facebook said seven crew members were injured and have been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In a press conference, Jefferson Parish COO Keith Conley said one person is still missing.
WWL-TV reported that the U.S. Coast Guard is assisting in rescue efforts with a helicopter and small boat.
The New Orleans Advocate reported that five crew members are in critical condition from blast and burn injuries.
Officials said there could be oil spilling as a result of the explosion.
The cause of the explosion appears to be under investigation but Kenner officials said it appears to be the result of cleaning chemicals ignited on the surface of the oil rig platform.
The explosion startled people living in the area. Andre Love, 32, told the Times-Picayune that he lives 10 blocks away from the rig and the explosion caused his house to shake.
At first I thought it was a sonic boom or something, I had no idea what was happening,
he said.
Source: United Press International
(October 15, 2017 - 11:27 PM EDT)
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