At least eight workers were injured after an explosion rocked an oil rig operated by Venezuela’s state-owned energy company, PDVSA, in Apure state late Sunday, according to sources familiar with the incident.
The injured workers were taken across the border to neighboring Colombia for medical treatment, the sources said. Videos circulating on social media also appeared to show the aftermath of the blast and emergency response efforts.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.
PDVSA has yet to comment on the incident despite requests for a response.
The explosion comes as Venezuela’s oil sector continues to grapple with operational and infrastructure challenges, although authorities have not indicated whether the accident will affect production at the facility.
Further details on the condition of the injured workers and the extent of the damage have not yet been released.
