One of the largest in the world, Amuay refinery, was rocked by
an explosion which killed about 39 people, including a 10-year-old boy. 17 of
the 39 dead victims were National Guard troops stationed at a post next to the
refinery. More than 80 people were also injured, nine of them seriously. About 77
people suffered light injuries and they have been released from the hospital. Government
officials pledged to restart the refinery within two days and said the country
has plenty of fuel supplies on hand to meet its domestic needs as well as its
export commitments.
President Hugo Chavez declared three days of mourning in the
country. Chavez said he ordered a "deep investigation" to determine
what caused the explosion.
Officials said firefighters had controlled the flames at the
refinery on the Paraguana Peninsula, where clouds of dark smoke were still
billowing at noon.
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