Oil Rig Explosion off the Coast of Louisiana
It's being reported that an oil rig has exploded in the Gulf of Mexico.
The rig, located 90 miles off of the Vermillion Bay coastline, is owned by Mariner Energy.
According to reports, the 13 crew members aboard abandoned the rig and have been accounted for. Twelve were in "emergen-suits" and one has been injured. The Coast Guard is en route as well as civilian vessels to assess the situation.
The fire, which was a result of the explosion, is still burning at this time. It is unclear whether oil is spilling. There are reports that the rig was not actively producing product, which would indicate that the risk of an oil spill is limited.
It is unknown what caused the explosion, although there is speculation that it may have been a natural gas explosion.
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