Oil Tank Explodes in Louisiana

An oil tank has exploded in Louisiana, several miles outside of Baton Rouge, reported the Associated Press. The explosion, which happened late Thursday night near Denham Springs, prompted the evacuation of 30 to 35 homes.

No injuries have been reported thus far. The fire is contained in a 200-square-footarea.

One of two oil holding tanks that were at the scene ruptured and caught fire but it is unclear what sparked it, said Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Mark Harrell, to the Times-Picayune.

The second oil tank had not exploded but was bulging from the heat.

Harrell noted that evacuated residents shall return once the fire is out. 

With more than 10 years of journalism experience, Robin Dupre specializes in the offshore sector of the oil and gas industry. Email Robin at rdupre@rigzone.com.

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