At least seven people were injured when a large explosion on an oil rig operating on Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain ignited a fire Sunday evening, authorities said. Smoke and fire were visible from the shore. According to The (New Orleans) Advocate, citing Jefferson Parish officials, there were seven people aboard the platform. The injured were taken to New Orleans, with five people taken to the University Medical Center and two others taken to East Jefferson General Hospital. EMS officials said the five taken to the University Medical Center were being treated for blast-type injuries and burns and were in critical condition. The U.S. Coast Guard told the Advocate one man on the rig was not able to make it to shore after the explosion, and rescuers were searching for him. The worker has not been found. Kenner Police Department spokesman Sgt. Brian McGregor said Sunday. There were “a lot of injuries,” many of them serious, with at least seven confirmed and more expected, McGregor said. Authorities on the scene reported that cleaning chemicals ignited on the surface of the oil rig platform.
Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 66 years, Abraham Watkins has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to obtain just compensation for their clients. For more information, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.