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Posted: Friday 23 October, 2009 at 10:21 AM

Gasoline warehouse explosion rocks neighborhood near San Juan

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico-A major explosion has been reported at the Caribbean Petroleum Corporation in Catano, a neighbourhood near Puerto Rico’s capital.
     
    According to The Associated Press, 11 of more than 30 gasoline storage tanks at the facility exploded around 12:30 a.m. today (Oct. 23), sending up massive plumes of fire and black smoke into the surrounding area.
     
    Only minor injuries have been reported and all of the workers at the facility were safe and accounted for, but residential areas around the facility have been ordered to be evacuated Governor Luis Fortuno and other authorities.
     
    Firefighters reportedly rushed to the scene and were working to contain the blaze and chill the remaining tanks to prevent any further explosions from taking place.
     
    The shockwave from the blast was reportedly felt a great distance from facility. Some drivers who were near the facility when the tanks exploded suffered minor injuries as the glass in their vehicles shattered from the force.
     
    Police Chief Jose Figueroa Sancha said that the fire had intensified as more fuel was ignited by the blaze and he believes it would take rescue workers days to completely extinguish the flames.
     
    Several steps have been taken to protect residents, including shutting down schools in the area today and environmental authorities asking persons in the area to close all of their windows, as it is not know if the billowing smoke could adversely affect health.
     
    The Federal Aviation Administration has also put a temporary flight restriction in place for the area due to the think smoke.
     
    The originating cause of the explosion is not known at this time.
     
    The Caribbean Petroleum Corporation markets the Gulf brand of gasoline to Puerto Rico, and can reportedly produce 48 000 barrels of crude oil a day.
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