Fire at Mexican offshore platform kills two, one person missing
At least two people have been killed and one person is missing after a fire broke out on Friday at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform in the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico, according to state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex). The company stated that out of the 328 workers present on the structure when the fire started, 321 have already been evacuated. Pemex has dispatched four boats to control the fires on the oil platform.
Earlier reports from Pemex indicated that at least six individuals were injured in the incident. In a recent video statement posted on Pemex’s Twitter account, Pemex Director Octavio Romero Oropeza clarified that the two fatalities and the missing person are from the company working at the facility, not from Pemex itself. Oropeza also revealed that the area of the platform where the fire originated has been completely destroyed, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Pemex is now focusing its efforts on locating the missing person and resuming operations. Employees from nearby platforms have reported that the flames can be seen from their locations, suggesting that the incident is of significant magnitude. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stated during a press conference that Pemex firefighters are battling the blaze, with support from the Mexican Navy.
Pemex has a history of major industrial accidents at its facilities. The company has assured that it will provide updates on the control and extinguishing of the fire, as well as the assessment of damages throughout the day. It is worth noting that in 2021, a similar fire near a Pemex offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico, known as the “eye of fire,” was successfully brought under control.
How many workers were present at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform during the fatal fire?
Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Fire Erupts at Mexican Offshore Platform
A devastating fire at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform in the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico, has claimed the lives of two individuals, with one person currently missing. The state-owned oil company, Pemex, confirmed the distressing news and revealed that out of the 328 workers present during the incident, 321 have been safely evacuated. Pemex has swiftly mobilized four boats in an effort to gain control over the flames ravaging the oil platform.
Initially, reports from Pemex indicated that six people had sustained injuries in the catastrophic event. In a recently shared video statement on the company’s Twitter account, Pemex Director Octavio Romero Oropeza clarified that the fatalities and the missing person are not employees of Pemex, but individuals working at the facility. Oropeza further disclosed that the area where the fire started has been completely obliterated, prompting an urgent investigation into the cause of the blaze.
While the search continues for the missing individual, Pemex will refocus its efforts on resuming operations and restoring stability. Nearby platforms’ employees have reported witnessing the alarming flames, underscoring the significant magnitude of the incident. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador informed the public during a press conference that brave Pemex firefighters, with the support of the Mexican Navy, are combating the inferno.
Unfortunately, Pemex has a disheartening track record of major industrial accidents at its various facilities. Nevertheless, the company has vowed to keep the public updated throughout the day regarding the progress in controlling and extinguishing the fire, as well as the extent of the damages incurred. It is important to highlight that a similar fire near a Pemex offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico earlier this year, known as the “eye of fire,” was eventually brought under control. The global community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to this devastating incident.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with offshore oil drilling. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected by this deadly fire. It is crucial for authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident and ensure necessary safety measures are in place to prevent such disasters in the future.
This devastating incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in offshore oil platforms. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families, and we hope that thorough investigations will prevent such tragedies in the future.