Oil platform ablaze in Gulf of Mexico, 28 workers evacuated – Coast Guard

‘A fire broke out early Friday morning on a small oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico, forcing the evacuation of 28 workers. No injuries were reported, but a 1.4-mile oil slick was visible in the water.

The oil platform is located 20 miles east of the tip of Louisiana. The rig has been shut down, according to the Coast Guard, but the platform still holds an estimated 5,000 gallons of crude oil. Crews in response vessels are on site working to extinguish the blaze.

Texas Petroleum Investment, which owns and operates the platform, has halted production, Reuters reported.’

Read more: Oil platform ablaze in Gulf of Mexico, 28 workers evacuated – Coast Guard